THE MIDDLE OF MY LIFE when I reached the middle of my life I paused clouds flew like flags overhead a dog raised its head from sleep there was something bothering me something was happening but I couldn't put my finger on it I thought awhile a bird gave a triumphant whistle the air was momentarily moister a car went by later I would realize that it was at this moment that hope diverged from fate and they went their separate ways but the moment of realization also passed without my noticing it I was busy realizing and the moment got no attention I speculate now that there was the sound of running water in the distance also a cricket vibrated its drumsticks a leaf flashed briefly in the sun a squirrel on a nearby branch looked at a nut sighing then it was over