At last I’m old enough <br /> <br />old enough not to be <br />embarrassed when <br />it happens <br /> <br />it can be when <br />some athlete stands <br />and mouths the words of <br />their national anthem <br />as the flag waves <br /> <br />or a young musician <br />makes their first, fresh <br />debut playing some <br />often played classic <br />as if it had never <br />been played before <br /> <br />or a cloud passes and <br />the sunlight reaches into <br />the room and says <br />look at this crystal vase, <br />look at this flower <br />look at this dewdrop <br /> <br />or someone who was anyone <br />a moment ago <br />smiles <br /> <br />oh so many so little big things and <br />my chest heaves, shudders, <br />and my heart not my eyes <br />is shaking with tears which <br />cannot be explained but <br />only recognised for <br />whence they come <br />beyond tears <br /> <br />at last I’m old enough <br />not to be embarrassed <br />by this joy <br />though <br />I make the excuse <br />to go into another room <br />in case<br /><br />Michael Shepherd<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/0194-at-last/
