Today I turn toward living
What else is there to do
The skies are grey
But I am not
Except for the seasoned evidence
Of a full life, well lived
Engagement with passion 
And suffering
Learning
Both reached for and stumbled upon
Taking us there
The depths that only life’s wisdom 
Can help us find

And if we emerge with a few grey hairs
Or a whole head of white
And body of wrinkles
Hurray!
A cause for true celebration
Because you did not side-step
You did not try to slip through 
Unscarred
The illusion that an enduring glow
Is the mark of success
No, you let yourself be impacted
Leathered and flavorful
Tattooed 
By the experience of being human
And in turn
The human experience forever imprinted
With the existence of you