Settling

Weary of striving, the pretty picture, the fond

hope of this time, this time and having sent

my heart forth, cap in hand again and again only

to see it trudge back bedraggled I feel finally

ready in this last third of life to settle quietly

into the softness of the days, armchair traveler,

cup of tea, steadfast friends, feasting on the

imperfect pleasures of a simple life

tasting the exquisite grandeur

of contentment.