I'TS MY BIRTHDAY

It's my birthday
and I'm thinking
of playing
bocce, Boccherini
and backgammon
reading an art book
on Joseph Shannon
taking my rope off
my kayak
with a hope
of being a mensch
in the middle
of a Northeaster
back of the Bay,
praying against
any ship disasters
out on the ocean
awaking for a breakfast
of Vermont maple syrup
with griddle cakes,
a French croissant
with a cup of tea
on my breakfast bench.