Thirty-Two

I wrote this poem a few days before my birthday.  I intended to make this my blog post on my birthday, but the loss of my dear Uncle Jeff the day before made February a struggle as my family handled the unexpected loss, travel, and grief.  

Tonight, I remembered I'd had this saved in my notes on my phone - where most of my poetry takes its first home as I quickly jot down a line or two as they come.  

I've been candid with you here, and this poem is no different.

This poem is an odyssey of reflection - 

Written to myself, I pondered: 

"what lessons have my life taught me that I want to always remember."

May the lesson I've learned bless you along your own journey as you walk with me.

(Photo credit: Roxann Hadley)

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Thirty - Two

Here at the dawn of 32

What would I say about it all to you? 

Looking at this care worn face

What did I forget that’s brought me to this place? 

Sweet baby infant -

Remember those arms that hold you when you cry and strive to hush your tears

Cute little toddler- 

See that reassuring smile that is telling you “you can”

Inquisitive little 4 -

Keep asking questions of those who want to tell

The mysteries and wonders of everything 

Shy little 5 -

Don’t listen to the laughs of the others standing around 

Who just want to tear another down

School age and wide-eyed with wonder-

Never forget the thrill 

Of learning something new

Of mastering what you said you couldn’t do

Of excelling on your own 

Or the kindness of a pencil loan 

Playful joyful 8-

Pretend and imagine and weave yourself a dream

You’ll need it in the future 

When in the dark you seem 

To forget that life still has richness - as rich as butter and cream 

Seeking, searching 9-

Looking up to Heaven in the night 

Never forget how He brought you from dark to light 

Say hello to the change- growing 10 & 11

Don’t turn from the new 

In doubt or in fear 

For someday a change will be welcome and dear 

Unsure and timid 12-

Too scared the make the change 

Remember the pros and cons of a choice you’ll make 

where logic and the heart work together for the change you have to take

Oh 14 - so naive and feeling so grown up

Cling to hope and never let it go 

Dear little 16 - full of expectancy

Capture that feeling and always look around the bend for beauty

Hopeful 18 -

At the dawn of adulthood, remember what the sunshine of hope feels like to your soul

University Times -

Too many lessons to name 

Hold your friends close

Hold your family closer 

“Excelsior”

Provision comes from above 

For the place where God wants you to live and to love

Healthy 21- 

with all the vivacity, feeling so strong 

Remember what it feels like to run when you say you’re done and then suddenly, you’ve overcome 

Monotonous early career days-

Give your best even where you don’t want to be 

Learn every job to the fullest & tackle each task 

saving the easiest ones for last

Determined 24- 

Know what you want and pursue it

Hone your talents and strengths 

Put forth the effort to go to new lengths 

New beginnings and new faces of 25-28

Comfort zones are for those who live ordinary lives 

Stretch your abilities and don’t be afraid to admit when your wrong 

Support your friends who now are wives 

Take care that you don’t grow weary when the wait is long

Pessimistic 29- 

Shun the voices that scream “too late”

Resolute now at 30-

Hand to the plough

And to your Father humbly bow

For the lives you have touched 

For the position for which you’ve striven 

For the opportunities He has made & given 

Bleaker 31- 

Shun bitterness that lurks in every dark corner of the way 

And you - 32

What will you be? 

May you be gracious - to others and yourself

And may you remember all these things and more 

The things Jesus has taught you year after year 

As you shut and opened each years’ door

(Photo credit: Roxann Hadley)