Thirty-one returns the cosmic favor,
Here, like us all, through accidental grace,
Immersed in saving what of life he can,
Reversing the revolt of modern man
That has with reason reverence replaced,
Yielding an ecology few savor.
One hopes to find some meaning in one's labor,
Not looking for success in one's brief span
Except to hold one's world in one's embrace.
Copyright by Nicholas Gordon. Free for personal or non-commercial use.