PUSHING SEVENTY-FIVE

PUSHING SEVENTY FIVE

Now where in the world did all those years go?
Just a few days earlier, I was only forty or so.
Quick as a wink, the years have passed me by,
I don't remember them all, even hard as I try.

Bits and pieces of childhood I sometimes recall,
I was just a tow-headed kid that wasn't too tall.
Some things stand out in my memory, though,
like trying to slide in the deep, new-fallen snow.

Eating ice cream cones without any ice cream;
using starch to wash dishes and get them clean.
Taking dandelions to graves on Memorial Day,
going to church with mom and learning to pray.

Moving to town and leaving the country behind,
unaware of the changes or friends I would find.
Still singing and laughing and making my way,
the life of a child welcoming in sun everyday.

Young years and new tears, love in my home,
I never had the feeling or fear of being alone.
So I was blessed, as all my memories shine,
if times were bad, it was no concern of mine.

Leaving home to make my first million, I see
the door of opportunity was knocking for me.
Interruptions of life came to me now and then,
these memories fading, they'll not come again.

Marriage and children, my life was complete,
with so much to live for, life was pretty sweet.
Then came the dark days when his love died,
I was left with heartache, no one at my side.

Years kept passing, children grown and gone,
I have only myself left that I can depend on.
I'm blessed with memories, have quite a few,
I rock alone at the tender age of seventy-two.

Old age is comfortable, I work and I write
to get myself in the mood for sleep at night..
Before I knew it, i was nearing seventy-four,
Looking back, I couldn't ask for any more.

Candles lit and family all gathered around,
I read obits to be sure I'm not in the ground.
Now it's a new year, I'm so glad to be alive,-
I never thought I'd make it to seventy-five!

So thanks to the people who shared my life,
the laughter, the tears and even some strife.
I wouldn't trade the years or those I love best,
but I'm pushing seventy-five and I need REST!

Countrymom
1/4/11