Birthdays

I am nine, and the world is awakening,

Books, my beach life, a new brother on the way,

School is my joy, summer drifts by,

I reach out for knowledge and change.

I am nineteen, and I think I am beautiful,

Newly married, what cannot be accomplished?

UCLA delights me, drenching me in words and ideas,

I dream of teaching in my own classroom, giving back.

I am twenty-nine, a frenetic mother of two,

Has anyone ever been so busy and blessed?

A strong-willed, laughing daughter, a sweet soulful son,

I shine with pride, their certain impact on the world.

I am thirty-nine, now divorced and in shock,

Assessing this life with  unblinkered eyes,

Is there really more possible each day beyond work?

A loving man tosses me his heart, an alternate universe.

I am forty-nine, and my mother is dying,

The child in me wails in need of her.

How can life go on without Mama here?

I mourn, and the pain does not stop.

I am fifty-nine, and the world is awakening,

Books, a lakeside life, grandchildren at play,

Writing is my joy, all time compresses,

I reach out for knowledge and change.