On my forty-first birthday

how long was i there
at the top of the stair
how long was i there
please tell me, mon frer

how long was i there
at the top of the roof
how long was i here
alone and aloof

how long was i there
at the peak of the hill
how long was i there
feeling the thrill

how long was i there
in the top of the tree
how long was i there
expansively free

how long was i there
at the top of the world
how long was i there
completely unfurled

how long was i there
in the fluff of a cloud
how long was i there
beyond the dull crowd

how long was i there
up in the sky
how long was i there
learning to fly

March 8, 1977