"My Toddler Days"

Toddler Days …

My toddler days were days to learn.
I had to learn to walk and run.
I learned to eat with spoon and fork.
My life of learning had begun.



I had to learn to clap my hands.
I had to learn to say hello.
Some days I was afraid to learn,
But I would never let it show.

Soon after this, I went to school.
I had to learn to write my name.
I learned to wait and take my turn
When learning how to play a game.

I had to learn my A-B-C’s
And next I learned to tie my shoes.
I learned to always play to win
But be a good sport if I lose.

I went to high school and beyond.
My college days were filled with books.
I studied Latin, art and math.
I won’t get by just on my looks.

As life went on, I learned more skills,
Technical details for my job.
With programs for the internet,
So much to learn made my head throb.

I learned it all, then learned some more.
My life stayed busy, full of stress.
I never took out time for play.
My only thoughts were my success.

But then, it happened … stabbing pain!
I couldn’t breathe; I couldn’t move.
I had ignored the pains before.
What did I think I had to prove?

The doctors said I’d had a stroke
Which knocked my brain cells out of whack.
And if that didn’t seem enough,
I’d also had a heart attack.

My life will never be the same.
I guess it’s lucky I’m alive.
My doctor tells me it was close.
He wasn’t sure if I’d survive.

I have to learn to walk again.
I have to learn to clap my hands.
I have to learn to wave goodbye.
This wasn’t part of my life’s plans.

My life seems very different now.
I’ve gone back to my toddler days.
And when I try to hold a spoon
The nurses give me smiles and praise.

Some days my mind is sunshine bright.
My brain cells all are in full swing.
The next day I am in a fog
And I’ve forgotten everything.

So, take a little tip from me.
A man stays healthy if he plays.
If all you ever do is work,
Your life might end with toddler days.


rhyme: abcb
rhythm: 8-8-8-8


6-17-07