I will celebrate my 47th birthday on Wednesday, June 9th. I’ve also just celebrated (on June 3rd) one year on Triond. So I am looking back once again and taking a closer look at what I have accomplished thus far but, more importantly, what I have yet to do.
Looking back over years gone by
Thinking of all I hoped and planned
Back then nothing seemed out of reach
Has it all slipped through my hand?
Or is there yet time to do it all
To have my claim to fame
To make my mark in history
So all will know my name
Do I even want that anymore?
The praise and accolades
From people whom I’ve never met
No, that kind of glory fades
But if I inspire those near to me
To strive and reach their goal
And instruct them, “Each one, teach one”
I will have played a better role
What young people are watching me
And trying to discern
If I’ve truly learned the lessons
That I’m asking them to learn
Or am I merely pushing them
To pursue what I will not
Because I think I’m past my prime
And lack the zeal they’ve got
What I’ve lost in youthful energy
I’ve gained in wisdom and grace
So I can still get to the finish line
Just at a slower pace
And if my steps should falter
I would hope that those I’ve taught
Would bear me on their shoulders
For the good fight that I’ve fought
©2010 – Andrea J. Shannon
AGONY AUNT: I accredit it to “good genes”. The women in my family have all aged well. 
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