Who and What You Have Become

 

I have lived long enough to know

who I am not. And that’s a lot.

Oh yes, I have been occasionally

envious of those who were more

than satisfied with the who they

turned out to be. Yet, I never

longed to be them.

Thought I’d let the days pass and

see what happens by choice and

chance to rub off on me. Figured

each day would find its own way,

and I’d be satisfied to go along for

the ride.

Never expected to reach age 75.

And then one day, voila! Old and

gray, hobbled in the hips and knees,

I have arrived.

No child I have known has ever

wished to turn out that way—

past prime time having seen

better days. Walk slowly and

enjoy. Don’t hurry up, dash and

run. Don’t sleep walk and fritter

time away either.

You are the experiential, gathered

up sum total of who and what you

have become.

Live life and be grateful. Old age

is meant for remembering how you

got to where you’ve come and need

to be.

                           -30-

Chris Hanch 8-2-2022