Tonight, I walk

I make my way up vista ridge
The sinuous road that winds its way
Through the hills behind my home
I pass the many old homes built into the ridge
Overlooking the city

I see through a window an old man in his kitchen
His grandchildren flutter around him like fireflies
The delicate dance of youth
Their glow illuminates his face with laughter
And joy
I would like to be him one day
When enough years have passed
As time begins to steal the light from my face
Only to have it replenished by the joy of family
And new life
And still endless possibilities
Even as my hair turns to silver

The streetlamps flicker on with the dusk
Casting a path down the lane
Illuminating autumn leaves
As they fall among the houses and parked cars

The lights of the city glimmer below
The entire world seems to crackle and spark
That which is not flame is tinder
Ablaze with life

I make my way down the lane
On feet that seem less content to touch earth
With each step
As I remember the incredible lightness
Of living