In the Dark

In The Dark

Why am I here? At my age, I should Be waiting for retirement, Working the same old jobs That end without the gold watch That would tick off my final days.

Why at my age would I feel The urge to sit in desks too small For my middle age lifestyle With people half my age and bra size?

As I listen, I know why. Inside these walls I have learned about me, The person I am, The proverbial "Will be."

'f I have found joy I In simile and metaphor, and The seductive lure Ofa well-framed tale.

Each book I read Adds more to me, Creating a self that understands The different shades of shadow.

So as I wait in a darkened room Across the hall, I hear the voice Ofmy professor, vibrating refrains Of Twain and his river.

Each line of sunrise Etches into the face of a clock That beats inside of me, Now rewound, and ready for more.

Bonnie Wiggins