Fifty's Mark

Facing reality on the eve of a half century of living.

Fifty’s Mark

 

Deeper lines now crease my face,

While I move a slower pace,

 

Knees and ankles, neck and spine,

Hate to work and often whine,

 

Hair relocates from my head,

Nose and ears resides instead,

 

And the hair that’s left on top,

Fades to white and will not stop,

 

Many things I want to do,

Can’t be done - its’ sad but true,

 

Aches and pains and joints that creak,

Weariness throughout the week,

 

Eyes that cannot see too far,

Reading vision less than par,

 

Loss of hearing in one ear,

Mumbling people I so fear,

 

Memories of long ago,

Of the things I used to know,

 

Permeates my every thought,

Recollecting things forgot,

 

Loved ones gone to Heaven’s gate,

Leaving holes while I just wait,

 

Lingering on until that day,

When I join them and there stay,

 

Those around me dwindle too,

Youthful days were much too few,

 

How I wish I’d made the grade,

Achieved something ‘fore I fade,

 

Left something for all to see,

For the world my legacy,

 

Stayed in school to gain degree,

Earn my parents’ faith in me,

 

Gave to her a golden life,

She that suffered as my wife,

 

But the past is far behind,

Though it seldom leaves my mind,

 

So I ponder in the dark,

On the eve of fifty’s mark

Reviews

[matrixmark]

Yes the poem is all about reaching the big 50 BUT also it says to me 'life is too short, and if you want something, then go and grab it'. We all live once- live for the moment and make everyday count.
I do like this piece, it has many, many great lines which make for a compelling kind of read, yet you feel a little sad in a funny way. But hey....that's life

Your play on words was really good.

Mark.

[Eddie Davis]

Thank you, I think you understand exactly what I intended to convey in this poem.

[matrixmark]

Yep,came across loud and clear.
Really well written.
Mark.

[alanwgraham]

Great work Eddie. This is the kind of funny rhyming verse i used to write for birthdays etc. However you are far too young to be thinking these thoughts - at 50 you are still in the prime of life !It's funny how these artificial stepping stones make us stop and think.
All the best,
Alan

[Eddie Davis]

Thank you.