Five Perspectives

My functional parents loved us and each other.
I had all the perks of a stay at home mother.
At the age of five there were just two things to dread ~
the cowboy and gator that lived under my bed.

Army brat blues, poetry, song, freedom, love, dance,
guys and wearing denim in every circumstance
were the essence of me at fifteen on display.
Dad paid me ten dollars to wear a dress one day.

At thirty, I longed for down time with no stress tone.
I felt my life was a ‘get it done’ pressure zone.
Mom, executive assistant, homeowner, wife …
Day drowning grew my wishes to end the clock's strife.

Watch what you wish for is advice I did not take.
At fifty I lost the clock with a gained head break
that led to many trials for loved ones and me.
Bonded by faith, we learned all we could do and be.

My age will no longer be of concern to me
when I open the door and in walks seventy.
If I give it attention it might diminish
all that I believe I can both start and finish.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2026

Poem

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Maverick Avatar
September 30, 2026 at 12:22 PM
Front to back..And so it goes, ages come And also go, do with all heart; and a some thought give your best, gain favor Not sought, all blessings btw, Cay;Cay..
Hind Avatar
September 29, 2026 at 8:03 PM
kudos to you, CayCay. <3
Rodrigues Avatar
September 29, 2026 at 7:53 AM
CayCay, greatly enjoyed this write! Fave! Hugs and blessings!
Winter Avatar
September 29, 2026 at 6:04 AM
Dearest CayCay, an absolutely wonderful poem about how each decade of our life brings change. We change with age yet we stay the same. Love, Anne
Rodgers Avatar
September 29, 2026 at 6:02 AM
Dear CayCay, what a great progression through the developmental stages of identity and resilience. In trauma psychology, a catastrophic life disruption often shatters the illusion that we are in total control of time. Yet, rather than fracturing under that pressure, the family unit adapts through "bonded faith." That crisis shifts the internal focus from surviving the relentless daily grind to honoring the gift of life itself. Purpose isn't reserved for youth, as long as there is breath, there are stories left to start, finish, and celebrate. Inspiring and masterfully framed work, CayCay. Blessings, Daniel
Onclaud Avatar
September 29, 2026 at 3:20 AM
such a multi- layered , existential approach to your many life stages...much enjoyed, cay!
Sharma  Avatar
September 28, 2026 at 11:03 PM
Awwn dear CayCay, this is such a beautiful take on the contest! How you've reflected on your life stages and experiences so far, gained wisdom through all of it and painted it in the pulse of poetry, ah, just breathtaking. N i love denims too! Anytime! That stanza about fifty ~ sigh, you've gone through some rough and harsh circumstances but I'm glad that you found faith in every ripple of his light. A brave and inspiring soul you are! I'm still between the second n the third stage, closer to the 2nd in age lol, but not mentally, spiritually and emotionally, i believe. Love that ending a lot too! Best wishes to you for the contest! sending you fairy hugsz 💕🫶🏻🦄💫
DiMino Avatar
September 28, 2026 at 6:00 PM
"My age will no longer be of concern to me when I open the door and in walks seventy. If I give it attention it might diminish all that I believe I can both start and finish." Great conclusion, rather beginning. Wonderful mind place to be at. Glorious advice you give. Blessings. One of my favorite sounds I often sing is "Ill Walk With God" -- still can hit the high notes.
Dietrich Avatar
September 28, 2026 at 5:45 PM
Love love love this. Authentic and beautiful as you are. Glad you finally entered this contest. I left you a note you may not see. The weird poem of mine you recently visited is a summary of In Autumn. Please read that one! Fave here
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