Living A Life

The time goes by

whether we wish it or not.

Our permission is not needed, our protest not noted.

Time is heedless. It does not see,

it does not hear. It shows neither malice nor mercy.

It simply passes, knowing not whether

we cry in pain

scream in fear

or enjoy the motion of the ride.

Daylight gathers in the morning

shadows fade in the glare of noon

darkness chases fading rays in evening.

See the colors, changing in the passing light.

The only constant is change.

The only record is memory.

Remember the loving touch of the mother

the smiling face of the father

Toys, tastes, temptations,

the many days of childhood

running, learning, playmates, laughing, tears

lessons for life in every event.

Remember the growing

graduating, going,

familiar faces behind you, hands waving goodbye.

Remember the people met. Some stay, some go.

Some leave little trace, others mark us permanently

With lines harsh or pleasing to the eye.

Feel the passion of love, the joy of new life,

the birth of our futures, tiny hands, trusting eyes,

diapers and feedings and toys again.

Marvel at the passing of the days

children growing, loved ones aging, lines deepening

hands aching with the labors of days gone by.

Wave those hands goodbye now, watch the old car fade

in the distance. No more diapers, no more toys

They have their own lives ahead to live.

Hold the gnarled familiar hand one last time,

smooth the grey hair, kiss the dry lips,

Say goodbye to the ones who gave you life.

Face the passage of the days.

Enjoy the good times, treasure the visits,

stroke the cheek of your grandchild.

The time is nearly gone

the circle is almost complete

the ride almost back at the start.

A familiar hand in yours. The brush of lips

that kissed you many times, many years ago.

Saying goodbye to the one who gave them life.

Eternity beckons

the next journey is about to begin.

Your life here is lived, your actions echo in eternity.

Living A Life

The time goes by

whether we wish it or not...

Live it.