One can easily turn reflective with the passage of the years. Birthdays serve to stimulate strolls down meandering and wayward paths.
As I approach “the golden years”, I know I’m supposed to be thinking of travel, playing golf, putting my feet up, reaping my rewards. But I’m not sure any of that is for me.
So here’s what this October 8th means in the context of my own particular time line.
**
When I’m 64?
That day has arrived.
I’ve worked my whole life to get here.
It’s quite a milestone.
In these tough economic times,
government will probably expect me to work ‘til I’m 74.
Maybe that’s what I want anyway.
Confusion nonetheless.
What does the future hold?
A good deal of apprehension,
I know that much,
based on the experiences
of my own older relatives.
Will my health hold up?
Going to the doctor,
the optometrist, the dentist,
can become a second career
beyond a certain age.
What about accidents?
Must be more cautious.
I might have to give up roller blading.
Or even sky-diving.
Heh, heh, in my dreams.
Driving now scares the wits out of me.
The roads are bombs
with defective timers.
I can’t believe the stunts some people are pulling.
They seem to think they’re bullet-proof.
“Are they nuts?” I ask
at least three times a day.
Too many questions.
And worries.
I’m going back to bed.
Pull the shades.
Dwell on memories.
Turn moody.
NO!
Time for that soon enough.
Get a grip.
I’m blessed with loving family and caring friends.
A cornucopia of contacts.
They deserve more from me.
Each day is a gift-wrapped box.
See the yellow polka-dots on sky-blue paper.
A red ribbon as garnish.
Dropped off on our doorsteps anonymously,
but we know by whom…
God in whatever manifestation.
We must never forget.
****
A religious interpretation must again be acknowledged and accepted in the wild and dangerous imagery of The Lord’s Rogue Locomotive.
**
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8 responses so far ↓
1 Brenda // Oct 8, 2011 at 10:29 am
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, big guy
Another year, enjoy to the fullest. We have to be thankful. Article Very interesting take on what is expected of one over 60. Retirement falls short of what it’s chalk up to be. Pleasure knowing you.
Regards to Donna and children.
Love
2 annie q. syed // Oct 8, 2011 at 10:43 am
happy birthday… beautiful poem….
lovely weekend to you and donna & the children.
~annie
3 Bob O // Oct 8, 2011 at 12:52 pm
Hi Alex so you have reached when I’m 64. I reached that milestone this past May. Couldn’t put it quite as poetic though it leaves room for thought.
When are we going to get together again? How much more opportunity is there??
4 Phyl (kashicat on Twitter) // Oct 8, 2011 at 3:14 pm
This is great, Alex! Thanks so much for this. (I’m 9 years behind you.)
I especially liked the “NO!” after the moodiness. I’m prone to a bit of depression, and have lots of past things I could let myself get gloomy about. But I’ve started putting them away — sometimes with regret — deciding, “I’ll think about that on my deathbed.”
So people might hear me walking around muttering, “Deathbed, deathbed” under my breath, as I’m putting aside another one. Hee! But I agree — time enough for that. Later.
Meanwhile — happy birthday! And thanks for taking the time to write this.
5 Alex Carrick // Oct 8, 2011 at 4:13 pm
Hi Phyl. I appreciate your comment. Very interesting, and I suspect effective, coping mechanism. Thanks for sharing.
6 Dennis DesRosiers // Oct 11, 2011 at 8:33 am
Alex: Congrats … I turned 61 a few short weeks ago and I just love being “over 60″. I now can say the stupided most outlandish things and when challenged all I have to say is ” I’m over 60 you know ” … So take advantage of this age thing, it can work in your favour.
I also set my retirement age this year while sitting in Paris for two months … I’m not working a day past my 85’th birthday no matter how much pressure I have to stay on longer.
Your buddy
7 Steve Green // Oct 14, 2011 at 8:38 am
Happy birthday Alex (I know it’s late, but I only just read the story 🙂 )
I can certainly relate to this post, being not too many years behind you, my mind does tend to wonder what the future may hold. I’m certainly thinking of giving up extreme sports sometime soon. 😀
8 Donald Conrad // Oct 16, 2011 at 8:30 am
Wonderful sentiments here Alex. Happy belated…