When Skies Were Bright

The 90’s were not easy, but my spouse and I got by. Both our children, grown, soon were on their own. The syndrome known as “empty nest” didn’t even touch us. If anything, those wings of mine spread splendidly as I ascended, full of hope, into a new Millennial sky. In 2000, my age was 45, and definitely, I was in my prime. Having taken up guitar, I strummed to songs I sang for just myself. I belly-danced, lifted weights, did boxing and aerobics. Reading up on fitness tips, and eating for my blood type, I was at my best. “Aerodynamic,” this bird could fly; even years of therapy on a painful neck were starting to pay off! Around this time, I also took three fascinating trips, first seeing the Big Apple for my very first time. Also I basked in the sun and in the fun of a great Bahamas cruise. Later, with a friend, I enjoyed a glorious week in Rio de Janeiro. Of all the things feathering my not-so-empty nest, one stood out, which later would define the woman I’ve become today. Embracing the muse I’d abandoned in my youth, I learned to soar with poetry! Today, twelve years later, I fly through skies much too often gloomy, recalling a time before our world went mad - the time when skies were bright. Written by Andrea Dietrich, Jan. 6, 2012 For nette onclaud's....AT THIS AGE Poetry Contest
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

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Poet Avatar
February 20, 2012 at 5:31 PM
Soupmail returned.
Brown Avatar
January 16, 2012 at 1:07 PM
A belated congratulations on your win in Nette's "At This Age" contest Andrea. Love, Carol
Sweetheart Avatar
January 14, 2012 at 12:00 PM
CONGRATS ANDREA ON A GREAT BIG WIN FOR THIS TREASURED CREATION LUV.. HOPE COMPUTER GETS BETTER FOR U.. STILL WAITING TO DO MY AVATAR.. BUSY BUSY... EVERYONE IS BACK IN NJ...
Poet Avatar
January 14, 2012 at 6:59 AM
Congrats Andrea on your win.I loved it first time around.
Devnath  Avatar
January 14, 2012 at 12:17 AM
Many congratulation on your superb win in the contest for this beautiful poem, loved and enjoyed it,bl
Macmillan Avatar
January 13, 2012 at 8:22 PM
Andrea, loved this! Congrats on the win. LOL, though. You became an 'empty nester' at my current age when I'm potty training and teaching ABC's! My empty nest syndrome should happen around the same time of retirement. Of course, with my advanced years, my girl could stay home and LOOK AFTER ME! I tried belly dancing too! Much fun!
Richards Avatar
January 13, 2012 at 4:56 PM
Nicely done, and sounds like you handled the empty nest better than most!! Great story telling, Andrea!
Song Avatar
January 13, 2012 at 4:34 PM
oh,...and I really appreciate the bird analogy here...so very nice!
Song Avatar
January 13, 2012 at 4:33 PM
I'm chiming in with Maureen down below..YOU R at a lovely age, Andrea..and you are wearing it well. I am happy to see the things you've done and know that when this contest comes back around in 5 yrs, there will be soooo sooo sooo much more! Love, Gwendolen
Johnson-Saunders Avatar
January 12, 2012 at 7:16 AM
I love your poem. Life is wonderful with all of its ups and downs making for quite a ride. Sounds like you've had a great ride so far. I turn forty on Monday. I hope my forties are as great as yours. Thanks for an enjoyable read!
Davis Avatar
January 12, 2012 at 7:07 AM
An enjoyable read :-)
Lefanue Avatar
January 11, 2012 at 7:21 PM
Andrea, Sadly my church doesn't use my poetry. I do some Christmas recitations, but that is about it. It's the usual thing, what is close folk never value. Still my books are starting to get sold in Australia. This country is not as Christian as the US. My sister hasn't even read one of my poems. Loved your 'When Skies Were Bright' poem. You really have the gift with words! God bless, Maureen :)
Bagnall Avatar
January 11, 2012 at 5:34 AM
Oh No - You've given the age away, and we all thought you were 21 ! Sounds like you've had an interesting life, good luck in the contest.
Bombardieri Avatar
January 10, 2012 at 11:35 AM
Hi Andrea, nice to meet you:) Guess I am not the only one who enjoyed your poem. I especially liked the last line. The world is changing ... and not for the better in some regards. I sometimes wish I was born in another time, a much simpler time. Writing is a great escape!!
Pettit Avatar
January 10, 2012 at 12:18 AM
Sounds like you were having a ball back then. You have described it pervasively well.
A   Avatar
January 9, 2012 at 11:07 PM
I think the 90 is where I lost myself....your life seems to soar... A great entry...pd
Horne Avatar
January 9, 2012 at 2:59 PM
Lovely nostalgic piece, Andrea
Ball Avatar
January 8, 2012 at 10:29 PM
Love this Andrea. I too wish the world had not gone mad and long for saner days when things were much simpler. Too many greedy fingers in the pot I fear. Great job here. God Bless, JB
Maverick Avatar
January 8, 2012 at 2:52 PM
I know we all must have varied ideas of the past and that which was better Andrea,, "however i just can't help thinking we are right" we have so much technology yet it seems much less freedom of choice..!
Peranteau Avatar
January 8, 2012 at 1:42 PM
A fantastical share dear poet ! Really revealing Andrea and consuming as well...what a beautiful look into a friends eyes ! Have a blessed week....much love, james
Babcock Avatar
January 8, 2012 at 11:02 AM
Thanks Andrea for sharing a part of your world with us. I know that it took me a while to get back to my writing and it was after the boys left home. I guess that empty nest helps us re-new things that got put on the back burner while the kids grew up. Love your poetry and love the person you are. Keep the pen flowing dear friend. love phyl
Green Avatar
January 8, 2012 at 9:40 AM
you have been a inspiration,,to me,,and this is another grand write,,from your spirit,,that is so sweet,,i just love your poetry and would love to hear you play and sing,,there has always been a spark in your poetry that catches my eyes,,,it moves emotions,,and your creative ideas are a teaching guide,,,i one day hope to write as great as you,,and i thank you to,,for all that you do....
Butterfly Avatar
January 8, 2012 at 6:46 AM
This is a wonderful poem. I feel you just gave me a glimpse of the amazing you. Thank you for my 1st place in your Movie Scene Contest. the Senryu is very meaningful to me on many levels and I am so happy it touches you also..
Horsman Avatar
January 8, 2012 at 3:16 AM
Lovely Andrea, one feels after reading this, one needs more because this poem is so interesting, hope one day you can come to the uk, i almost feel we need you here, your poems seem to fit some how.. harry
. Avatar
January 8, 2012 at 12:59 AM
wow! you just brings your reader so much closer by this open lines Andrea! I hope the sky will always be bright for the years to come. good luck on the contest
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