Heinz 57

"Heinz 57" was a stunt

to market condiments
but came to mean
a mix of many parts,
and so
as I turn 57,
remember that
I'm more than
just a number,
any number,
more than who you think I am,
and more than who I used to be
(in terms of size and also
what I understand).
But on the other hand
I'm less than
who I'll be tomorrow,
less than all the baggage
I have shed, and less inclined
to foolish thoughts and ways.
(Silliness is quite another matter.)
At 57, I am more aware of me
and what I need and want
and will put up with. And
the growing will not stop,
at least
the kind
within
my mind
my heart
my joy.
my zest, like on the label
of the bottle.


(c) Ellen Gillette, 2014