Figments & Fragments

Aging Out

You'll wonder where the YOLO went
when FOMO yields to sentiment.

Risk in itself seems sweet reward
for those afraid of being bored.

The story's end seems far away
when shirking work to work at play.

They push their luck and test their skill,
they wager life against a thrill.

But wiser folk at long last learn
not to invest without return.

How many peaks? How many falls?
Eventually, adventure palls.

What follows next when oats are sown?
The quiet rush of hearth and home.

A family plan with loving mates,
means earning trust and keeping faith.

Building lives means being here,
kissing scrapes and drying tears.

So, time to give up center stage,
and hang in there through middle age.

And when your kids are grown and gone,
take pride that they can carry on.

No more mountains, no more seas,
just gently rock and take your ease.

Much safer just to sit and doze
than risk sunburn or frostbit toes.

But pause a bit before you go
and share those tales of long ago.

Author's note: ▼

Entered in the September 2023 round of:

FORUM

SENIOR CENTER FORUM  (ASR) The Place for Seniors! #427318 by NaNoKit

Prompt: no prompt this month

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