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 © Jack Ellison 2012
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

Poem

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Breidenthal Avatar
September 18, 2020 at 11:00 PM
I treasure your pieces like this - reminding us all to enjoy every moment. Always, Laura
Ellison Avatar
September 19, 2020 at 6:02 PM
Enjoy every moment... nothing more to say!!! XOX
Carrillo Avatar
March 1, 2013 at 11:39 AM
Jack; I like your poem. You are so right. This things only happen once in a life time. Thanks for sharing. Lucilla
Ellison Avatar
March 1, 2013 at 11:46 AM
Thank you kindly my dear Lucilla! I always look forward to your positive comments... big hugs, Jack xox
Jerden Avatar
December 7, 2012 at 6:37 AM
Jack, I'm totally in sync with this poem. Geezers rule! Cheers, Roy
Ellison Avatar
December 7, 2012 at 7:19 AM
This old geezer's still got it eh! Glad you could relate... have a great day!
Eastman Avatar
December 5, 2012 at 3:41 PM
Reading your poetry is one of those moments... Good moments are any time and any where you find them... Silly... LOL
Ellison Avatar
December 6, 2012 at 7:33 PM
You are a sweetie my dear Carol! How's your Daddy doing? Better I hope!
Harrell Avatar
December 5, 2012 at 6:31 AM
Oh, you are so right, Jack. There are a lot of firsts and they are "once in a life time" memories. They are special, yes. I haven't had too many of these firsts. Just kidding. Lol. Love it.
Ellison Avatar
December 5, 2012 at 7:21 AM
Also a pleasure reading your comments, my dear Toquyen... love and hugs, Jack
Macfarlane Avatar
December 4, 2012 at 7:35 PM
Jack, this is a pleasure to read....wonderful write! Hugs
Ellison Avatar
December 5, 2012 at 4:06 AM
WOW! Thanks a bunch Cecillia! Hugs and mucho love, Jack
Bauer Avatar
December 4, 2012 at 6:35 PM
so true and so well told!
Ellison Avatar
December 5, 2012 at 4:05 AM
Thank you for your kind words Ilene... love and warm wishes, Jack
A   Avatar
December 4, 2012 at 5:19 PM
Jack, nice to hold on to these once in a life time friend...pd
Ellison Avatar
December 4, 2012 at 6:04 PM
Thank you pd! Your kind words are much appreciated! Love and hugs, Jack
Sivey Avatar
December 4, 2012 at 4:22 PM
This is a great observation my friend! I truly loved this incredible write, you have masterfully pieced together another wonderful poem here Jack! I really enjoyed reading this awesome piece this evening! Great Work!!
Ellison Avatar
December 4, 2012 at 6:02 PM
WOW! Great review of my poem Russell... thank you! Cheers, Jack
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