Reflections Of The Past,Visions Of The Future Poetry Contest

Oh, how did I arrive to where I’m at - a state perpetually in discomfort? When young, I was athletic and so strong. I rode my bike with speed and ran so fast. I went to church and was obedient. Our blended family could be a mess, but mostly I was happy, and I dreamed a blissful future. Oh, the ignorance! Good grades I got, and so I followed in my brother’s footsteps. To religious school I went with no direction really, got married, had two kids, and taught for years. My life sped by with times more good than bad. Two things for me though drastically changed: beliefs in certain institutions and the fact my Golden years would be a dream. In church I never felt the kind of zeal my siblings felt. I could not continue to live my life, not feeling in my soul the truth of all my church was telling me. I know God’s true and loves each one of us. In government I now have lost my trust. I may not be so spiritual, but I trust the instincts driving me are right. Beginning in my 30’s, I had troubles with horrid pain in my neck and shoulder. Then cancer came, Since it is genetic, I’ve changed my diet, but my silly dream of living long and well has disappeared. I don’t trust doctors. One made my health hell. I live with things no doctors understand. My kids are spiraling too. Ain’t life grand? Although my husband is disabled now, for half a century I've been with him, Still I'm teaching part-time, but can be found most often in our home I love so much. It is my sanctuary, for I thrive reading, watching shows, and writing poems. Wanderlust I got out of my system. I'm thankful I could travel in my youth. I'm content with all my simple joys. and hopefully I will not fear my death, for God means death to be our sweet release. Soon now our daughter will move in with us. Her husband lost their money and their home, so she and her three grown-up children will be living with us too, but we'll make do, for family is what really matters!