Curtis Johnson Poet Couplet

Turning 50

I was born in '49 and turned 50 in the year 1999.                                                                                                    It was the same year my oldest sister passed away.

It was one year after my dear mother departed this world.                                                                                     It was the year our grandson turned five and started school.

It was the year leading rapidly toward that dreaded Y2K.                                                                                               It was the year of controlled fear, preparation, and trepidation.

Would computers in offices malfunction and cause mass confusion?                                                                   Would none upgraded computers cause air planes to fall from the sky?

Being neither computer literate nor the techie type, I simply did not know.                                               I did not know what to do as my 50 year old mind was tossed to and fro.

At 50, though employed, I was not engaged in my chosen career.                                                                                  Yes, I turned 50 in 1999, and was anticipating retirement by age 60.

All of my life, I had longed for 'tomorrow' and launched forward.                                                                       Turning 50 came with a sign post saying, "slow this fast train down".

It's not that I wanted to 'exit' the train; but I needed to 'board' a slower one. Yes, it appeared turning 50 created a desire within me to start looking back.

No, I didn't want to go back in time; but I wanted to see some things I'd missed. Things like beautiful roses I'd never noticed, and those golden

trees in October. I could not run like I was 25; but I was grateful to be free from aches and pains. I still had plenty of hair, but I started to see gray.
04072017 cj PS Contest, On Turning 50, Cecelia Hopkins-Drewer

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Kai Michael Neumann April 28, 2017 at 11:11 AM Good on you and congratulations for your win. Wishes, Kai Curtis Johnson April 28, 2017 at 3:36 PM Thanks Kai

Teddy Kimathi April 27, 2017 at 8:03 AM Congrats Curtis, for your well-deserved third placement, with this wonderful piece!! ;-) Curtis Johnson April 27, 2017 at 3:48 PM Thanks Teddy for your kind words.

Charlie Smith April 26, 2017 at 9:44 AM Sounds like fifty was very kind to you Curtis, as was the contest judge, congratulations... Curtis Johnson April 26, 2017 at 1:49 PM Indeed it was. Thank you Charlie

Maureen McGreavy Pigeon Tart April 26, 2017 at 8:30 AM Wonderful pensive write, led me to muse my own Turing fifty and where I was in 1999 :) Congratulations on your win Curtis! xomo Curtis Johnson April 26, 2017 at 1:50 PM Thank you Maureen

Sara Chansarkar April 26, 2017 at 8:25 AM Congrats Curtis and thanks for sharing! Curtis Johnson April 26, 2017 at 1:50 PM Thanks Sara

Agnes Krampe April 25, 2017 at 2:26 PM Congrats on your win, curtis. Curtis Johnson April 25, 2017 at 5:27 PM Thank you Agnes

Cecelia Hopkins-Drewer April 25, 2017 at 2:25 PM I loved your inclusion of history and social changes along the way. Congratulations, Cecelia Curtis Johnson April 25, 2017 at 5:28 PM Thanks Cecelia for your comments.

Doug Vinson April 8, 2017 at 11:19 AM Nicely done, Curtis. : ) I'm ten years younger, and I hear you on wanting a slower train. 50 for me was a real launching toward 60, now coming impossibly fast over the horizon. Curtis Johnson April 8, 2017 at 1:01 PM Thanks for your comments Doug

Sheila Sacks April 8, 2017 at 3:37 AM If you have retired now, I hope you're writing a book...there is definitely a book in you! Your writing is captivating, entertaining and very insightful. It is a pleasure to read! Curtis Johnson April 8, 2017 at 1:02 PM Thank you Shelia. I am honored by your comments.