Longevity

It's my birthday soon; I'll be
a hundred and sixty five.

I've travelled
every continent; I've been
seven times in India.

I've finished Finnegan's Wake.
Beethoven's late quartets
are as good as new.

My great-great-grandson fixed
the ozone layer.

I've published thirty books
and almost learned to write.

I've seen the whole span
of two young trees I planted
a hundred years ago.

In another fifty years, perhaps
(if I don't waste too many days)

life may seem almost long enough,
by the old Earth's measure.