Birthday

Today we drive to Minnesota to see son Erik (age 25).  We may not make it in time for dinner because, while it seemed a good idea to leave early, now it seems a better idea to leave late.  I am the birthday girl.  I decree it.  Of course it is entirely possible to do this on other days of the year.  Still... it is easier to decree things on one*s birthday.

It is my birthday.

I use my birthday power

To slow down the day.

Because we drive to Minnesota

Because I made the motel reservations

Because now I am 57

And it is my birthday,

I declare we will take the day

Slower,

Leave later,

Pay attention to the cheese curds

On our way through Wisconsin.

On the bridge over the St. Croix

 from Wisconsin

To Minnesota

We will lift our feet

So they won*t get wet.

We will do it again

When we cross the Mississippi.

It is my birthday.

I decree

We will slow down

The day.