Decades

The whole thing felt smaller. Decades

Ago, when I began and still tried

To impress the men in stiff shirts. Proud

Of having lost 20 pounds on eating beans

To impress the women in long black skirts

And with unicorn pink tips. Highlights

Of years served and bar reviews that 

Averaged on the better side of OK. 

I got there, boys. The reward is

Staying. To see others wriggle and maybe

Thrive. Decades still to go.