Notes About The Poem

Written September 28 2026 for contest Five Perspectives sponsor Margarita Lillico

What Matters

At age five I like to run and play
In the light of a southern sunny day
I ate honeysuckle enjoying the taste
Playing in the dirt mud pies I baked

At 15 what matters to poetic teen
Clothes goals and fashion dreams
I was quite proud of my pop band
We wrote songs we sang we danced

At 30 what mattered to me the most
Creating better life as a mom you know
Working full time and in college too
Keeping my son in best homes and schools 

And then at 50 I was confident in self
No longer worried about lack of wealth 
Having lived through some dark times
This was the age I renewed my mind

What may matter at age of seventy
Is life going on as I live it in peace
The pitter patter of grandkids feet
Retired but inspired to love family

What matters at each life stage
Is that I live life love and pray 
To wake up is a blessing each day
To die well is the last thing you face
Copyright © | Year Posted 2026

Poem

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Sharma  Avatar
September 28, 2026 at 10:54 AM
To wake up is a blessing each day! Yes! Can't agree more dear Karen! All the different stages of life you've portrayed so beautifully here.. each one has its own purpose and meaning ~ to let our souls learn those lessons that are necessary to heal ourselves and elevate our energy. I've certainly seen only those first two stages yet, although quite differently. You are far wiser in age and experience than me! Loved reading this ~ hope you are well, may your heart and soul keep shininnn hugszzz 💕🫶🏻🦄💫
Jones Avatar
September 28, 2026 at 10:59 AM
Hiya thank you for reading my poem and making such kind comments! Hugs 🥰
Godwin Avatar
September 28, 2026 at 1:41 AM
I am impressed. I have been unable to pull off what you did beautifully and effectively: sum it up while retaining a 'sufficient' portrayal with poetic devices positively intact. My draft lines are overly long ... and I haven't been pleased but it really doesn't bother me, it happens that sometimes I'm not meant to write a poem and sometimes one flows that I thought would be difficult. Seems spirit knows when we should/shouldn't. I LOVE THIS, AND HAVING MORE KAREN INSIGHT. LIKE
Jones Avatar
September 28, 2026 at 2:52 AM
Thanks for the love CayCay! I know what you mean about the spirit knowing when we should and shouldn’t write. I tried to write for Regina’s contest but what I submitted didn’t really follow the rules. I don’t think it will place and I really don’t want to change it. lol! 😂 I appreciate your kind comments.
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