ACCOUNT OF MY DAYS
Sequence: 4
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