(Poem written by Sydnii Ray)
Fresh life
Soft skin, new baby
A soft cry escapes from rosebud lips
Quickly followed by a childlike gurgle
The first stage, as it was.
The second stage
Exploring life
Meeting new people
Eyes opening to the world
School bag in hand.
The third stage
That of the infamous lover,
Heart easily broken
Vulnerable like a baby bird
Thinking that they are invincible.
Stage four
Oh what a confusing time
Turmoil of happenings
Sent off, like a young bird pushed out of its nest
Flying off into an unknown life
Leaving home, yet another stage
New beginning.
At the fifth stage
Mid life crisis
Children fly away
A sudden stability, a sense of knowing
Life plan set.
The sixth age shifts, comfort becomes the primary priority
Slippers, sweatshirts, and favorite pair of jeans
Worry about fashion...a thing of youth.
The seventh and final stage of this long life
Cared for by others
Free of all worries
Take the days as they come,
Until they come no longer.
The great thing about getting older is that you don't lose all the other ages you've been.
-Madeleine L'engle