Then and Now

Then:

naïve, sheltered, shy
what i thought
   i wanted to be -
an archeologist, Barbizon model (no proclivity),
a writer, a psychologist, a mom, a wife

Now:

brazen, talkative, traveller, open
   what i am -
a Christian, a writer (a poet), a model
citizen, prone to psychoanalyse, a mom, grandma,
a wife

Then:

at 5, under the knife, tonsils removed, ice
cream treat; cut my foot in a bike spoke, no dinner

Now:

Wheeled through airport, whisked to urgent care,
ambulance ride to hospital, anxiety led to prayer, peace
as piece of me removed (gallbladder)

Then: single, not wise, average, well-endowed

Now: married a long long time, know things (experience),
endowment’s gone south

Then:

envision wearing a billowy white shirt, sitting in front of window
facing the sea, writing poetry, ink dry

Now:

Anytime, anywhere, wearing anything or nothing at all,
ink wet as muse sees fit

Then:

face to face friends, cord attached to wall, cell of my own
making

Now:

poetry friends all over the world, poetry transports with
my fingertips

Then:

Mom, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Grandparents

Now:

Deficit of loved ones. Looking
to the future in bright new faces

Then: reaching inward, wanting love    Now: reaching out, loving

Going further: reaching ever upward, in word and deed
I am entitled
to die, once,
and see my Lord and God

12/30/2022
Then and Now
Sponsor: Unseeking Seeker
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

Poem

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Pandit Avatar
December 31, 2022 at 5:15 PM
Enjoyed reading your then and now portraits of life. Amazing how we change with time, yet remain true to our beliefs. Many can relate to this true story you wrote, Kim. Best to you.
Rodrigues Avatar
December 31, 2022 at 9:22 PM
Thanks so much, Vijay!
Proxenos Avatar
December 31, 2022 at 10:17 AM
i like this poem so much and a couple are so amusing. You are such a versatile poetess. I enjoy all your writes that you post, all contain intense thought and integrity. Hugs and blessings, Jennifer.
Rodrigues Avatar
December 31, 2022 at 11:08 AM
I appreciate you so much, Jennifer! Happy New Year! <3
Buhagiar Avatar
December 30, 2022 at 10:45 PM
Great contrasts. I love your poem. Wonder if it is a biography of you, but you do not mention your work on the high seas. Hugs.
Rodrigues Avatar
December 31, 2022 at 11:09 AM
It is all about me, sweet friend! Thank you (hugs)
Krutsinger Avatar
December 30, 2022 at 10:25 PM
This is darling for a contest or for itself alone "envision wearing a billowy white shirt, sitting in front of window facing the sea, writing poetry, ink dry Now: Anytime, anywhere, wearing anything or nothing at all, ink wet as muse sees fit" Wow!
Rodrigues Avatar
December 31, 2022 at 11:09 AM
LOL…thank you, dear one! :)
George Avatar
December 30, 2022 at 7:25 PM
Thus you have made giant leaps. "Then: reaching inward, wanting love Now: reaching out, loving". This single line sums up the transformation in you. Great penning. A fit entry for the contest. All the Best dear Kim.
Rodrigues Avatar
December 30, 2022 at 8:09 PM
Thank you so much, sweet friend!
Boles Avatar
December 30, 2022 at 6:54 PM
Belated Merry Christmas and an upcoming Happy New Year to you and loved ones Kim! This is an excellent juxtaposition of historical, present and future expressions of your colorful life, told in a not too emotional, yet written in a very transparent and engaging way! Great presentation!...ab
Rodrigues Avatar
December 30, 2022 at 8:08 PM
Thank you so much, Anselmo! Happy New Year!
Sands Avatar
December 30, 2022 at 6:22 PM
Wow! This is excellent. I love your open honesty and introspection. A Fave for me :)
Rodrigues Avatar
December 30, 2022 at 8:05 PM
Thank you so much, dear Heidi! Happy New Year!
Poet Avatar
December 30, 2022 at 6:14 PM
Kim, you have produced a beautiful poem that is both profound and poetic. You manage to keep the reader's attention throughout the poem, from the first line to the last light verse. Your juxtaposition of the current and the past was an excellent entry for the theme of the contest. I wish you luck in the contest.
Rodrigues Avatar
December 30, 2022 at 8:05 PM
Thank you so much, dearest friend!
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