Waking to Reality

So, here I am,  thinking
I don't look as old
as others I know ~
Old friends, old classmates .....
other young mothers;

Diapers for toddlers, five in a row .....
So sweet, so wholesome as they grow.
Kindergarten, Sunday School,
VBS and PTA pass by .....
I won't grow old ..... not I.

We're parents of high-schoolers,
They're cool kids; too soon, they graduate.
I'm still their young Mom,
looking as good as I can.

Mother of a college kid; mother of a working man;
Mother of -----Mother-in-law???  "Shock and Awe!

Hey, we're grandparents!  Young ones, naturally..
Buying a camera, taking pictures..
.Loving every minute, as they grow.
Yikes, the grandbabies grow and grow!

They're all so brilliant ..... all so talented,
Each in his  or her own way.
And I am still young ..... till another day.

Why do I need so many pills?
I'm still me ..... why so many ills?
Today, a visit to the doctor ...... why not?
I always do well ..... It's all swell.
It was only a tiny blood clot.
Call it a little dot.

A mechanical valve ticks in my heart;
29 years now; we'll never part.
Only one episode of gibberish .....
Didn't last long ..... don't even mention it.
Increase meds; get a couple tests
But I'm still strong and bold;

Don't worry ; I'm
Just ..... growing ..... old.