TURNING 40 by John Grey

He’s just turned 40,
more life behind him, he figures
than ahead.

And it’s not as if
he’s achieved anything
in his days on Earth.

What he was at 30
is no different 
from the one who 
stares in the mirror
on this miserable day.

Except, of course,
for the fleck of gray hair.
And the beginnings of a line
under both eyes.

No promotions at work,
no relationships
worth a fresh dollop
of after-shave,
even his golf game
has given up on him.

All turning 40 does
is to clear the way
for eventually turning 50.
And then 60.
And then 70.

The phone rings.
It’s a good friend
wishing him well.
“40 huh,” says the guy.
Then another.
No more 30’s, kiddo.”
And another and another.
 
It seems like 
everyone he knows
is a numbers guy.

 

John Grey is an Australian poet, US resident, recently published in Shift, Trampoline and Flights. Latest books, “Bittersweet”, “Subject Matters” and “Between Two Fires” are available through Amazon. Work upcoming in Levitate, White Wall Review and Willow Review.

 

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