Getting Old Is A Gift

As we travel through life

enduring each rift,

trying to remember

getting old is a gift.

From the beginning

relying on others,

sometimes afraid

hiding under covers.

Slowly we learn

naively we trust,

relying on family

developing a crust.

First learning of love

father and mother,

even a sibling

sister or brother.

As we branch out

exploring our life,

ignorant of things

like hurt and strife.

We go to schools

our minds aghast,

relying on teachers

lessons building fast.

Traveling through grades

learning there’s more,

others wanting to hurt

leaving us on the floor.

Then a new feeling

it’s called a crush,

feelings abound

emotions like mush.

That feeling grows

like an eager seed,

our hearts absorb

expanding a need.

After high school

military, work or college,

what path to choose

in quest of knowledge.

If college is chosen

what do I want to be,

what path to choose

many still can’t see.

Maybe there comes

a partner to love,

a blending of souls

like a gift from above.

An offspring or two

possible there’s more,

the debts build up

wondering what’s in store.

The cycle goes on

the children grow,

with their very own

little seeds to sow.

Then the Dark Stranger

parents will die,

now an empty feeling

just wanting to cry.

A wake up call

it rings so true,

it happens to all

yes — even you.

It’s been said

it’s a cruel master,

time goes on

ever more faster.

Maybe we lose

a mate or child,

a deep stabbing pain

so far from mild.

By now the body

is lacking muscle,

slowing down with

much less bustle.

Through it all

we must realize,

live is so precious

a most valuable prize.

As we travel through life

enduring each rift,

trying to remember

getting old is a gift.

Gary R. Cramer

April 17, 2022 Happy Easter!