Life Charges Up and Down Hills

Life charges up and down hills so fast
One day you are biting your cousin
And they are laughing because you are two.
But not your cousin of course.

In a blink of a wild flower,
you are clunking around in Mommy’s heels.
Thinking you are “all that”
because tomorrow you start kindergarten.

Before you kick off the second horrible shoe
You are learning to ride a bike without extra wheels.
Around and around in circles I go,
and then poof!

It is summer camp, church camp.
Lots of girls are taking Bible recitation seriously.
My friend and I are talking about music and hot guys.
We have started to blossom, and we are amazed.

It is prom today, and I am irritated my date is drinking too much.
I decide to drive myself home and let him walk.
I get his car keys by lying,
But probably save the fool’s life when I do.

Marriage was short-lived, to someone else, not to that guy.
I am fifty now with a child who does not speak to me.
Glad I have my childhood friends.
They are lonely now, abandoned by their husbands.

We form a little group, and marvel that we were eleven yesterday.
Poof! Guess what? 
We are now seventy.
Does anyone else know that we are twelve-year-olds on the inside?
Still blossoming and still amazing?
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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Bauer Avatar
August 28, 2021 at 12:03 PM
Yes! All the other 70-year olds know that, but it can’t be explained to someone much younger. This poem is wonderful, Caren!
Krutsinger Avatar
August 28, 2021 at 9:06 PM
You have to live it Ilene; I am not seventy yet, but I will be in nine months!
Hankins Avatar
August 28, 2021 at 9:44 AM
Calls to mind so many youthful adventures, friendships... disappointments, successes. Wow!
Krutsinger Avatar
August 28, 2021 at 9:06 PM
So many things parade around in our heads; it is fun when they bounce out.
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