Notes About The Poem

For Margarita Lillico's Five Perspectives Poetry Contest

Me Through 70 Years

I see myself at the tender age of five.
A strange loneliness I feel, and I am shy.
I wonder sometimes why I’m even alive.
I chase fireflies and watch clouds in the sky.

I’m fifteen, more confident and doing well at school.
I read, play records and dream about guys.
I like to think I’m nobody’s fool,
and I’ve no time for watching clouds in the sky.

I’m thirty and still, there’s so much ahead.
Married, with two kids, I am having great fun.
Health concerns haven’t yet filled me with dread. 
I swim often in a pool and lay out in the sun.

I’m fifty; my children have long since left the nest.
I teach and write poems; I’m a grandmother too.
Except for health issues, these years could be my best.
Life’s gotten so busy. There’s so much to do!

By 70, I still feel blessed, yet also have some woes.
I care less for possessions and the world’s triviality.
I want to be grateful no matter how life goes. 
I realize now my purpose seeking spirituality.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2026

Poem

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Kendrick Avatar
September 18, 2026 at 5:06 AM
As we age, things become less and less important and our family so much more important plus our relationship with our Lord and Savior. Thank you for sharing this with us. Way to go. It reads like a good contender for the contest to me. 👏✍️. Sara K.
Singh Avatar
September 17, 2026 at 1:38 AM
For youngsters the poem is a roadmap, and those in their seventies will recognize themselves. A very tender and well crafted life poem. Liked it.
Dietrich Avatar
September 17, 2026 at 7:53 PM
Thank you!
Crandall Avatar
September 16, 2026 at 9:39 PM
It's interesting to read where you were at the different ages. I can relate at a lot of the stages, but one that surprised me a bit is how I relate to age 5, lonely, shy, wondering why I'm alive, and especially looking at clouds - those are all things I remember from about that age.
Dietrich Avatar
September 17, 2026 at 12:27 AM
Yes. I felt strange in my early age. Maybe we are two peas in a pod!
Sharma  Avatar
September 16, 2026 at 9:28 AM
Awwwn sweet Andrea ~ your years and experience through life really conveys it all! The way you look with insight upon those years .. and remain grateful towards it all.. those beginning with being young, filled with splendor and then becoming the anchor ..amidst everything, carrying the wisdom and feelings so gracefully.. this write is truly encouraging and you are an inspiration ~ I see how you seek your purpose seeking spirituality, absolutely beautiful and soulful! sending you starsz and poetic warmth 🧚🍁🍂🌙💫
Dietrich Avatar
September 17, 2026 at 12:28 AM
Thanks. You are so sweet. 💕
George Avatar
September 16, 2026 at 1:35 AM
I see the growth of a child from diffidence to confidence and then from worldly wisdom to spiritual insights. I can relate to all these stages. But my childhood was the most beautiful time I can remember. The age between 48 to 55 was the most turbulent time for me with acute rheumatoid arthritis and some other ailments. Now I stay healthy and spend a lot of time thanking God and preparing myself for the final journey. Beautifully written.👍
George Avatar
September 17, 2026 at 4:12 AM
Dear Andrea, sorry to hear of your strange ailment. Some medicines have such side effects. I am somewhat allergic to allopathic medicines. When l was under allopathic treatment for two years, my condition after a slight remission would relapse with a vengeance. Later l turned to a very famous homeopathic doctor. Under his treatment l slowly got rid of my pain and swelling in my joints. Though, l said, l am preparing for my final journey, l am sure when l draw closer to the end, l would be thirsting for more life on this earth. Somehow l never keep away from being thankful to God. Dear Andrea, be thankful for all the blessings you have received, especially for your gift of poetry and your status as a great poet.
Dietrich Avatar
September 16, 2026 at 2:01 AM
You got it exactly!! Did you find a way to relieve the arthritis? My post cancer treatment with a bone strengthener called Prolia 11 years ago has landed me with two terrible side effects that I can't seem to even pray away. They are such rare things, no doctor can identify them or help me . I no longer care about a long life because of them. But I am still managing to enjoy life as much as possible, mostly sitting against a pillow the majority of my time! Writing, reading , watching movies and inspiring YouTubes. I used to be so active. It's weird to end up this way but God is so good. I love learning about Him more each day. You are ready for your journey home . You are such a beautiful soul 🕊️
Daniel Avatar
September 15, 2026 at 11:49 PM
Lovely thoughts on your life, Andrea😊guess I can't enter this contest as I've not reached the 4th stage...
Dietrich Avatar
September 16, 2026 at 1:21 AM
You are allowed to make up a person. The sponsor said from any person's perspective.
Spilchuk Avatar
September 15, 2026 at 10:33 AM
Great reflection. Wishing you the best and added verses to follow.
Maverick Avatar
September 15, 2026 at 6:58 AM
May you be blessdd abundantly.🙌🙌🙌
Dietrich Avatar
September 16, 2026 at 2:02 AM
Thanks, Joe.
Empress Avatar
September 15, 2026 at 12:41 AM
I love how youv described various stages of your life sweet andrea! This is beautiful and so very well written. I love the way you appreciate all ~ and reminisce and reflect so poetically You are an amazin inspiration For your strength and all that youv overcome Pleasure reading this Sending you light always
Dietrich Avatar
September 16, 2026 at 1:22 AM
Thanks. I liked that contest because what she asked for lines up exactly with my own number of years of life!
Meadows Avatar
September 14, 2026 at 11:58 PM
A beautiful poem and description. Have a lovely day.
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