Sailing

Sailing

I have sailed around this tired old plant for over 48 years,

at times I have found comfort in all that surrounded me,
Sunsets I have seen from places far away -
marveling at the beauty which surrounded me....

Simple kindness from a stranger,
that brought me close to tears...
Harsh words from those raised in luxury...which has done so much harm.

Now, as my voyage is almost done,
I look back on the special memories in my heart...and feel some sense of Peace...
In awe at the beauty, courage, and love which I have seen in my time on this Earth.

Introspection.... and then in retrospect...

At twenty, I battled demons, brought to my knees,
from the loss of a Father..

At thirty, wiser, I left my union that had given me
one of the Greatest Joys of my life...
My first son.
This love, for a child, is one that no man can ever conceive....
Biology the main determinant.

Thirty Five...finally, I figured that I have found It...
Joy which so many others seemed to feel,
Blessed with two sons, a husband, & finally
the Wisdom needed to see the beauty in my Life...& be Thankful.

Time...it can seem to stretch endlessly, & twenty, when we seemingly don't need it...
So short when life finally tastes sweet at 37, & suddenly, life does not seem to stretch on forever.
Why is it that in order to truly comprehend what Love is about,
that Death is the teacher?

So many stops along the way,
so many beautiful, harsh, joyful & sorrowful ports....
This is why we yearn for the wisdom we find in later life
had been present when we were young & so naive...
This knowledge is truly bittersweet...isn't it?