I feel older now
but not in the way of decay.
Old in the ways of learning,
and of experience,
and, yes, of wisdom.
Of knowing,
but not in the way of knowledge
that was taught.
Knowing comes from within
and speaks in ways
not bound by language.
Knowing grows from within
in the way a tree grows old
into its strength and rootedness,
understanding the patterns
of the understory
the overstory
the innerstory,
and stands in quiet energy
safe, separate,
and not alone.