As part of my masters degree, I took a poetry class. I came across a poem I wrote for the class.I remember being convinced that this poem was witty and wise. Now on the other side of the life situation, I can confirm it was witty and wise though not the full story.
NOT YET
Seems just like yesterday, we endlessly rambled on about
Baseball cards, gym class, and ‘Happy Days.’
Now, we converse regarding:
- Computer programs,
- Health Benefits,
- Marriage,
- Fatherhood, and
- Mortgage Payments
Uggh
The immortal word of Charlie Brown never seemed more appropriate.
I swear I miss Saturday morning cartoons, Summer camp, and Sledding.
In a Disney decorated room,
The enthusiastic duo ask, through they are certain they have the answer
Isnt’ the baby adorable? Don’t you want to get married soon? Do you
want to have children?
Into their bliss filled faces I look,
and say slowly
I don’t want those things…yet.
Their smile fades into an astonished “ooh.”
Trying to soften the blow, I quickly add
The baby is cute.
I sit with the bubbly couple for a while
and listen to a discourse about:
the expense of diapers,
the cutest little smile,
early morning feedings,
adorable outfits , and
the dent on their sex lives.
I react with as much interest as I can stir: hmmph.
I guess some day these problems will be mine too.
But
There’s still some batter at the bottom of the bowl,
and I want to lick it up.
I slink out of the family house and wondering
Whatever happened to ‘Scooby Doo?’
Haha! I was so sure I wanted all of those things immediately–marriage, house, and babies. And now I’m so glad I have those things, but I sure the heck wish we would have traveled around Europe while we had the chance!
I hear you. I appreciate my lot now as well. It’s just funny how things change.
Europe in your 60s – that could be your fate.
We’re hoping for Europe next year, but we’ll have to see how the money fairy treats us.
Money fairy – after he/she/it visits you, please send my way. I’ll be happy to host.
I’m with you and felt the same way for a long time. Love the lines about licking batter from bottom of bowl! Well done!
Thanks. I humbly say that it is one of my favorites as well.
Made me smile. Only, since I am older than dirt, I miss different things. I have done pretty much everything I wanted when I was younger, only in my own time frame. Travelled the world, started and sold businesses, taught all over the place. Work our way around the world, seven years of adventures, loved every minute. I miss, however, the sound of a screen door slamming early on a summer day. I miss the smell of fried chicken like my Grannie used to make it. I miss singing with my sisters. I miss sitting outside on a spring night with my girlfriends. I miss hearing my granddad laugh and tease all of the grandkids. (five granddaughters between 2 and 9) I miss my old Ford F150 pickup. I miss my dog. And I miss my boys being little kids. Sigh . . .
Older than dirt – that’s a bit much.
Sounds like you have a lot to miss .That tells me you have had a good life so far filled with many good memories. May you make many more for years to come.
My mom used to say, “Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it.” The life before children is still strong in my memory. You poem is a wonderful reminder.
Thanks.
What a great blog post and poem. It made me smile and it reminded me of things my friends discuss about intensely and that excludes me – not having children.
Even though I love them and I do have experience with babies by sitting so many of them – I used to always be happy giving them back. *grin*
I can only imagine how it must be to be a parent.
I do like this post!!
I’m appreciate your comments and am glad you liked it..
I have single friends, and I really hope my wife and I don’t leave them feeling like this. We try to be sensitive.
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It’s a good article.