A Once Upon a Time Dream

A long long time ago (even not so long ago it sometimes seems),
I used to have what I perceived to be nice, practical dreams.

Not many of my biggest dreams ever did come true,
but there was one I felt so very sure that I would do.

I dreamed that a great milestone I’d one day fulfill.
I never thought to reach it would require too much skill.

I dreamed a centenarian one day that I could be.
At the time I wished for this, I was rather foolhardy.

I still was in my 20’s, so fit and energetic.
I did not know my dad’s side nor their awful stuff genetic.

Each mile since age 30 brought me strange new kinds of trials.
I know by now that I don’t care to make 100 miles!

Big Pharma too destroyed my dream of living many years.
The side effects of one bad drug has brought me pain and tears.

Don’t get me wrong. I love my life, and maybe I’ll live long.
My mother and her kin sure don’t have many things gone wrong.

But knowing what I know today of suffering and of
the many problems I have seen in people that I love . . .

I have no more the great dream to become a centenarian.
Seeing how the world is now, I’m ok with leaving here as an octogenarian.

June 1, 2023 For the Dreaming Poetry Contest of Regina McIntosh
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

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Seal Avatar
August 23, 2023 at 7:53 PM
Never thought about putting a number to it, just take it day by day and get out of it what we can, until we have to get out of it :). Like the way you've laid it out here though. Hope you're well. Take care Richard
Kauffman Avatar
June 23, 2023 at 12:58 PM
Funny how life intervenes in our world of dreams. I liked this poem about the realities we live very much. Congrats and high fives for your win! Blessings.
Johnson Avatar
June 15, 2023 at 10:26 AM
Wow. This is great and very interesting. I have dreamed along similar paths, but have not reached your conclusions. ??? Congrats on your placement.
Mcintosh Avatar
June 15, 2023 at 2:32 AM
Just dreaming... your heart is full of hope and light and love that inspires every thought. You're a wise and wonderful writer, Andrea. God bless you and Congrats. Love, Gina
Maverick Avatar
June 3, 2023 at 8:46 AM
As Lisa says below, .' You are echoing the world Situation very well..' And this remark for other Soupers.' Do you realise what a great asset This Lasy is to this forum.?? She is not perfect By any means, yet she is dedicated to poetry And humanity I for one am reasured by her Being here, also I minded that there will be more People like her around the world.' All is not lost Yet you can throw it away..!
Ricci Avatar
June 3, 2023 at 3:24 AM
Good Morning Andrea. Wow. I know this is a contest entry but it is filled with truth of life and of thoughts. Yes, between society the medical world and yes of course family history I too agree that I don't want to live elderly where I am not living with history that mounts. I want to live on my choosing and where I am still independent. Your entry makes us pause. Have a wonderful weekend. Take Care and blessings always. (smile)
Baker Avatar
June 2, 2023 at 1:50 PM
I've got to much left to do to target 80 ... already 78, but Sara and I want to pass together, and she's only 71 with an aunt and grandmother that made it to 92 and 99. I agree with your thoughts on Big Pharma though, greed is destorying the lives of so many. I'll just keep praying for you and hope you stick around for many more years and your condition improves. Hugs, Bill
Dietrich Avatar
June 2, 2023 at 3:59 PM
I bet you guys are gonna make it way past 80. Thanks, Bill.
Romios Avatar
June 2, 2023 at 1:12 PM
We can recreate our dreams everyday… We forget we are still alive and kicking. We can see what humble things we can do for the world. And be grateful for whatever stage we are In. I. Going for 100I have a vigilante spirit. I Almost died three times. So what? I am here to make a difference That’s my dream Pangie Xx
Dietrich Avatar
June 2, 2023 at 4:00 PM
Good for you, Pangie. you are indomitable.
Y. Avatar
June 1, 2023 at 12:16 PM
Hi Andrea, What a well-written and heartfelt write about your dream of making it to 100. Although you have had some health challenges. I hope your dream of making it to 100 comes true my friend. Best wishes in the contest-Alexis
Dietrich Avatar
June 1, 2023 at 12:44 PM
I just don't think I want to be around 32 years from now, knowing what the New World Order has in store for us all. Truly I pity the young generation. I am not optimistic at all about the future of this dear world.
Narain Avatar
June 1, 2023 at 11:57 AM
I hope you live a long life. Enjoy your life before you retire, An advice given by a friend, I wish I had followed. Good luck in contest.
Dietrich Avatar
June 1, 2023 at 12:42 PM
well, the way things feel sometimes, and knowing things will get tougher and tougher, I do not have a dream to live to 100 any more. Anyway, I need to make it my dream to see all my loved ones on the other side!!
Buhagiar Avatar
June 1, 2023 at 12:54 AM
May you live a long and healthy life. Mine is on count down :) Hugs
Dietrich Avatar
June 1, 2023 at 12:45 PM
yes, Victor, but you are keeping up crazy well in your countdown and you have a beautiful wife waiting for you on the other side.
Cunningham Avatar
May 31, 2023 at 11:51 PM
I hope your dreams come true Andrea, we all want to live a long and healthy life. Big pharma has a lot to answer for, making billions and not a care about the misery they inflict while doing so. Good luck in the contest. Tom
Maverick Avatar
June 3, 2023 at 9:04 AM
I see you have been taking note of things.' I appeal to Sanity and time proven/ tested procedures.'
Dietrich Avatar
June 1, 2023 at 12:47 PM
Big Pharma is the bane of our world. I can't say enough bad about what they have done to countless individuals who would be living a better life today if only doctors were taught the old ways of using nature to help people out. Of course, drugs are useful for people with certain conditions such as diabetics from birth and others with terrible conditions such as bipolar, etc.
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