Once In a Lifetime

They're once in a lifetime
These moments of joy
The first time you rattle
That colourful new toy

Your first day at school
With the rest of the kids
Your hair all slicked down
Bad smells Mom got rid

The ultimate joy
Of your first tender kiss
The shock when she tells you
Her period she missed

A puff from a cigarette
Makes you dizzy and ill
The beer in the closet
I remember it still

The joy of first child
The smell of their skin
The softness of touch
Their sweet tiny grin

Your first big promotion
The raise that you get
The first time you notice
A grey hair NO NOT YET!

Middle age then follows
With a sickening thud
It's all over now
Your life is pure crud

The sixties are next
And retirement awaits
Where did it go
You're in a hell of a state

Then someone says wryly
You've had a good life
'Whatcha crabbing about?'
But it still cuts like a knife

These tender sweet moments
You experience through time
You'll remember them fondly
And treasure the climb 

So hold on to them tightly
They won't come again
They're once in a lifetime
They're to treasure my friend
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

Poem

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Jones Avatar
February 4, 2015 at 8:39 AM
Jack, this is all too true my poetic friend. Hand on to what you can't get back. It passes by too quickly. Well done. :O) Keep up with the great work. Keep on penning. Thank you so very much for sharing your wonderful and creative talents with us. We all truly appreciate it. *S* Cynthia
Jones Avatar
April 13, 2015 at 6:34 PM
I know. I was looking at the date, when I first clicked onto this one. You are most welcome my friend. Aww. Don't squeeze me too tight. Your squishing me. LOL *S* Cynthia
Ellison Avatar
February 4, 2015 at 8:55 AM
WOWSERS! What a sweetie! Posted this one way back when I first joined! Thank you dearest Cynthia! Love and big tight squeezy hugs, Jack XOX
Breidenthal Avatar
September 25, 2013 at 4:06 PM
This is really touching, Jack. You are a very inspiring person with much love. I respect you very much and enjoy reading your beautiful words. I hope you are having a pleasant week my friend. Always, Laura
Ellison Avatar
February 4, 2015 at 8:50 AM
Now that is one of the nicest things anyone has ever said to me... you're a real sweetie, Laura! Sorry for taking so long to respond... thought I had! Much love and big hugs, Jack XOX
A   Avatar
March 3, 2013 at 9:03 AM
Jack, many blessings on your featured poem this passed week. Have yourself a new and awesome week.:-) Always & Forever * LINDA
Ellison Avatar
March 3, 2013 at 9:35 AM
You are always so kind and supportive my dear Linda! Thanks a bunch... have a super day! Hugs and much love, Jack xox
Austin Avatar
February 26, 2013 at 9:50 AM
Yes! I too have reached that golden age. Congrats on the selected collection. Love, daver
Ellison Avatar
February 26, 2013 at 12:12 PM
How are your golden years? As you expected? LOL I have absolutely no complaints but who knows what's just round the corner eh! LOL Cheers
Jones Avatar
February 24, 2013 at 5:54 PM
Congratulations on your featured poem Jack
Ellison Avatar
February 4, 2015 at 8:51 AM
Thank you Donna dear Donna! You're a sweetie... love, Jack XOX
Macfarlane Avatar
September 16, 2012 at 8:36 PM
Jack, your poems are so uplifting, it's a pleasure to read them. I'm going to hold on tight : ) Hugs
Ellison Avatar
September 17, 2012 at 5:30 AM
YOU ARE SWEET! Don't ever let go, dear friend... big hugs and much love! Jack
Andresen Avatar
August 8, 2012 at 5:29 AM
Good memories from your life Jack - yes, they are sweet treasures. - It is not we who are old Jack....it is the children and grandchildren who grow up to fast (I have 4 grandchildren 14+13+12+8) - oxox // Anne-Lise :)
Ellison Avatar
August 8, 2012 at 5:57 AM
Love your thoughts Anne-Lise! Your comments are very much appreciated! Think I'm going to like this site! Great big hugs, Jack xxxxxxxx
Carrillo Avatar
August 7, 2012 at 6:45 PM
Hi Jack; I just loved your poem of once in a lifetime. You are so right - there are things that we never forget, because they only happen, once in a lifetime. Thanks for sharing. Good work. Lucilla
Ellison Avatar
August 8, 2012 at 6:01 AM
No matter how old we get, those sweet memories linger on forever... thank you dear friend for your kind words! Hugs, Jack xxxxxx
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