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 monthly 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?"
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 2014
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