For Art Goodtimes on his 81st birthday
“Great job! Slow down,”
says the octogenarian whose schedule no younger person could keep.
I see the poet everywhere, day into evening,
shining, supporting, speaking, sharing,
an Amanita Muscaria among his mushroom brethren,
bright and bold–a beacon in the landscape
as he weaves lives and baskets, nature and cultures into a mycelium network
that stretches across mountains and plateaus, ranches and resorts
binding them invisibly through underground connections of love.
“Speak Up,” he says,
eyes gleaming, his voice a resonant roar
every time he speaks he summons reverence
for the indigenous people on whose land we stand
for the silenced pioneers who fought to be heard
for the wild wilderness all around us that has no voice.
“Own your work,” he offers. “Embody your words,”
I watch him walk through theaters and libraries and coffee shops
shaking hands, shouting hellos, hugging and holding space
for creative voices of all kinds
so each person of the thousands in his orbit
feels like they matter.
As we ascend to the mushroom festival event,
the stranger in my gondola car says,
“We don’t want to miss the opening ceremonies,
“As long as Art Goodtimes is there, it’ll be great.”
I arrive to see light gleaming from the Shroompa’s smile.
When his hand makes contact with mine
I ask “How are you?”
“Wildly happy,” he beams.
I see in him how to be the best elder.
Slow down but fill your life with what brings you joy.
Speak up for yourself and those who have been silenced.
Own your work when you share it with others.
Embody your words so that your essence shines through.
And live your life so your answer.
to the most commonly asked question can be,
Wildy happy
