Advent of Midlife by Mary Anne Perrone

 
I am no longer waiting for a special occasion; 
I burn the best candles on ordinary days.
I am no longer waiting for the house to be clean; 
I fill it with people who understand that even dust is Sacred.
I am no longer waiting for everyone to understand me; 
It’s just not their task.
I am no longer waiting for the perfect children; 
my children have their own names that burn as brightly as any star.
I am no longer waiting for the other shoe to drop; 
It already did, and I survived.
I am no longer waiting for the time to be right; 
the time is always now!!
I am no longer waiting for the mate who will complete me; 
I am grateful to be so warmly, tenderly held.
I am no longer waiting for a quiet moment; 
my heart can be stilled whenever it is called.
I am no longer waiting for the world to be at peace; 
I unclench my grasp and breathe peace in and out.
I am no longer waiting to do something great; 
being awake to carry my grain of sand is enough.
I am no longer waiting to be recognized; 
I know that I dance in a holy circle.
I am no longer waiting for Forgiveness.
I believe, I believe.

~ from National Catholic Reporter December 15, 2006
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What the Heart Cannot Forget by Joyce Sutphen

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Twilight by Louise Gluck