50 Trombones

The winged clock has flown at rocket speed

and half a century has come

50 years taken flight

Trombones stand ready to belt out a tune

the big brass poised

awaiting a midnight cue

Blank pages salute

a clean slate for to pen

Memories recounted

new ones made

all at the click of a new decade

Age is a number

True enough

But on its count

Deals are done

Jots set to stone

Relationships relished

revived and cherished

Age is a marker

a timekeeper

a memory-maker

a record keeper

a record breaker

But, alas, from age-to-age

the ticking clock tocks

nary a one stands still

nor a single stop

However, its rhythm sets the scene

and moves us to dance

dare we not take on the chance

to whirl and swirl through the life we're given

holding every moment sweet

and the better for living

Raise a glass

Give a toast

We need not a host

We are ready to cheer

As her new year draws near

Here's

To us

To life

To love and happiness

more than that, to the day that lifts its face

to the dawn that has come

and is shining nigh

Waste not want not

Time waits for no one

Grab a hand at the break

The peak of the light

Clasp tight and spin,

Let the party begin