REFLECTIONS AT 81

May 24, 2001

By: Julie Duane

I’ve not lived too wisely through the years

Nor have I cried a river of tears

My little regrets are few – if any

And countermanded by the many times of fulfillment, joy and hope

Like a multicolored kaleidoscope

Moments of doubt, plateaus of elation

Some of my goals I did not realize

But I picked myself up and looked to the skies

My life hasn’t been too structured nor neat

But I’ve relished it all – the bitter and sweet

I’ve strayed from the path – but I’ve made amends

And I have few enemies than I have friends

I’m not good as the goodest nor bad as the baddest

But it’s seldom – if ever – I’ve been the saddest

So here I am – at eighty one

Happy with most of the things I’ve done

Still greeting each morning the same old way

With “World – I’m ready for you today”

WHATEVER