Fifty Candles, Still a Flame: By Rizal, on his 50th birthday

I don’t know if I’m old or young,
My joints creak songs once never sung.
Fifty sounds like quite a lot—
Especially when I forget what I just thought.

Hair has left, like guests too shy,
What’s left behind has turned to sky—
Grey, that is, and bold in flair,
Decorating face and beard and hair.

Dad bod? Oh yes, it’s in full sight,
But matched with smiles and eyes still bright.
For every fold and rounded edge
Holds laughter, tears, and life’s brave pledge.

I must be old—I’ve lived, I’ve seen,
The rising sun, the in-between.
The broken dreams, the soaring high,
And still I look up to the sky.

But young am I, in soul and stride,
Still chasing stars I haven’t tried.
A student still, with books in hand,
Learning what it means to stand.

If Mum and Dad were here today,
They’d see their boy, not gone astray.
Their youngest still, in every way—
Longing for a hug that never fades away.

Fifty now, and thirty-three
Since Dad began his eternity.
Thank you, Mum, for all you gave,
Even while strong, you stayed so brave.

To brothers dear, across the seas,
Your laughter floats upon the breeze.
Forgive this heart that roams so far,
But you’re with me, wherever we are.

To wife and children, love so true,
Who take me as I am, not new—
Not perfect, no, but every day,
I try to love you in my way.

And friends, and teachers, every soul,
Who helped me heal, who made me whole—
May Allah bless, protect, and guide
This heart that still swells with pride.

So here’s to more, to dreams not done,
To setting goals and chasing sun.
For fifty’s just a halfway song—
The legacy is just begun.

Hasrizal Abdul Jamil
14 April 2025
Naas, Co. Kildare
Ireland