The Birthday Gift

When the package came you seemed so bright.
A birthday gift for you tonight.
You tore the wrapper from the box at once.
You couldn’t wait to see what it was.
You hoped for a toy, perhaps a new game, a ticket to a show, a CD, anything…
What you got surprised both you and me.
A set of wings, as beautiful as any I ever did see.
The colors were bright and the fit, so right.
And you tried them, with a smile so large
I couldn’t believe how happy you seemed.
I encouraged you to try and take flight.
You were tentative at first, not sure how to get it just right.
I offered instructions, when you needed them most,
And in no time, Time, you were swaying the breeze, floating high above the trees,
Flapping once, flapping twice, singing to the sky
And then you were gone and I was left behind.
Through it all I never realized how heavy I had gotten, how tired I was.
In the mirror I saw me, older than I once believed.
And I smiled at your memories that you left for me.
Ah, time old friend, you flew away from me, though you left me with quite a smile.
To think, Time, that you even gave me of your time was simply enough for me.
And this time I will remember to breathe and appreciate what you do for me.