Fifty-Seven

Fifty-seven, a number made old by years
A child of the union expresses unspoken fears

In a flash of light, time and space
Three daughter's later
Two lives can never be replaced

Love's joys, sorrows, tribulations and fears
All indelibly sustained by golden serenity
Cloaked by silent regrets and unwept tears

Two souls seek mutual peace
What price have they allowed?
To override personal fulfillment
Is each identity preserved, uniquely endowed?

Fifty-seven years of accepting the limits of life
This daughter stands watching and wondering
A testiment to a union, not completely free of strife

Dwindling life, bittersweet refrain,
Was the price too steep?
Did love justify pain?

Truth be told, truth be known,
Does regret hold a place,
That only joy should own?