Turning Forty

A poem by Kevin Griffith...

At times it's like there is a small planet
inside me. And on this planet,
there are many small wars, yet none
big enough to make a real difference.
The major countries - mind and heart - have
called a truce for now. If this planet had a ruler,
no one remembers him well. All
decisions are made by committee.
Yet there are a few pictures of the old dictator --
how youthful he looked on his big horse,
how bright his eyes.
He was ready to conquer the world.