Surrounded by the moment Then picked up and driven By the breath of time To join the forgiven

Reaching out and touching A smooth and silken dove The feathers are warm and welcome Within the glove of love

Finding new redemption Forgiveness without blame Across the tides of time Blowing out the candle's flame

Blown to far horizons On the denizen of dreams Slipping from the quicksand Into bright sunlight beams

Never looking o'er my shoulder At inconsequential times Gathering light luggage Innocent of planted crimes

The rising hum of daylight The soft embracing breeze Ride and slide over the rainbows Discarding cloaks with ease

Golden moments linger Eclipsed by pure joy Entertained by a new expression Knowing the real McCoy

Shady Sunday afternoons New treasures tomorrow Gilded by love's crown Released from further sorrows

And today it is my birthday It's easy getting older| Each day is a gift As time disappears over my shoulder

©

David Rudder 27th September 2025

Thank you for reading this piece and my poetry.