SPEED OF LIGHT

It'll Be OK.

I had a birthday this  week.  I’m 76 now.  Where did the  time go?   Each year goes by  so fast.

When I was young, I remember counting the endless days until I could get a work permit and my driver’s license – then my first legal drink at 21.  I was so excited about finally reaching 40. I was sure I’d have life figured out by then.  Oh brother!

In my 50’s I told my husband if he bought me one more vacuum cleaner or stepstool for a present, he was out of here. Ha!   Today,  I’m not even  interested in a new house,  Trans-Am convertible or a 98” Flat Screen TV.

As I’ve aged, I’ve realized that  spending time with family and friends – whether it’s on  your birthday or not – is the ultimate gift. 

 As an English teacher, I’ve spent most of my life helping others write -- so this year  I decided to give myself a birthday present by submitting one of my own poems to an August Writing Challenge.  I’d like to share it with you.  I hope you can see one of the benefits of growing older in it.   

Best gig ever

Grandma

Staging “The Bear Hunt”

On a front yard set

Two little characters

Happily, costumed in

Oversized cowboy boots

And white straw hats

Suddenly, staring up at the

Grizzly brown tree

With its arms branching out

And its claws ready to grip

ACTION

(Scene  is alive with squeals of excitement)

HANNAH (swinging on  her tire horse): 

Get the gun, Gabby!  Get the gun!

GABBY (grabbing the lime green pool noodle):

I’ve got it, Hannah!  I GOT him! 

(The grizzly brown tree sways in the breeze)

Applause erupting

From the front porch

Grandpa

Best gig ever

Thanks for spending time with me today.     I love having you as a Subscriber.   Xoxo

                                                                          ~

“Got a birthday card from the funeral home. I’m not impressed.  They only want me for my body.”     ~ Pinterest

DID YOU EVER GIVE YOURSELF A PRESENT?

A hanging basket replaces the tire horse swing now. Can you still see the bear?