One of the Newly-Old

My dear friend Rosemary, who turned 98 today!

One of the Newly-Old 

Four friends well 
into their nineties chuckle
when I call myself old
You haven’t quite earned
that yet—you’re newly-old,
the matriarch turned ninety-eight
said     Count your blessings
enjoy the time

I rolled it on my tongue
tasted and welcomed 
that flavor
newly-old
and finally happy