Amazing to think back and remember what you had- health-wise, time-wise, materialistic-wise. And what do you have now? Think about it! This is a poem I wrote two years ago, and just re-worked it. That is allowed! Re-writing is part of writing. So get out your old stuff, and look at it. If it’s worth it, tinker with it. If you absolutely dislike it, shred it and get that clutter off your mind!
What I’ve had, What I have
I’ve had it all, just not all at the same time.
I had youth and energy, but no wisdom.
I have wisdom, but no youth, and few listeners. Maybe none.
I had children, but no peace.
I have peace, but no children.
I had intelligence, but no education.
I have education, but no relevance.
I had food on paper plates and wine in plastic cups.
I have china and crystal, but can’t eat the food or drink wine.
I’ve had religion, but no spirituality.
I have spirituality, but no religion.
I’ve had plans, but no means.
I have means, but no plans. No energy either.
***
I’ve had what I wanted. I had the horses to ride, the boats to fish from, the dogs to train, the babies to wish on, the cars to transport me, the money to support me, the men to adore me, the teenagers to deplore me.
Every emotion you name has come and passed through me,
I’ve been loved and hated and been the victim of foolery.
I’ve seen things that have haunted me forever and more,
I’ve been burned and berated, and body worked sore.
I’ve entered the age of irrelevance, it’s when they look through you,
And steal your identity to brutally screw you
Out of your pension, your savings, your pay,
Your tax refund due you, your total outlay.
Blessed be nothing Grandma used to say.
Once it’s gone, you can’t worry, so look to this day.
Look to this day! It’s here now. Time, time, time.
It’s priceless, you own it, a gift from the divine.
And if I can help another in the tiniest way,
I mark this day down as a very good day.
Irene M. Paine 2020©