Milestones, transitions, philosophical thoughts
Insights, revelations, letting go of “I ought”s
Could’ve sat for a couple hours
Writing them to share
Instead I did what moved me
No fuss or fanfare

Both kids home, one flew back from overseas
All on the same page, just hangin’ with ease
What to do for dinner? Should we go shop?
Ooo, cook together with a movie on
Then a round of mahjong
The best birthday evening before both kids are gone

I have *adult* children, O. M. Gee.
I’ve come a long way, non-fuckup mom me.
Like my own MaBa, I will always be here
Cheering and loving them both every day
For their hopes, dreams, and successes galore
For life to bring oodles of love and connection their way

So much yet to do in this lifetime, teeheeeee
How many more branches might grow on my tree?
“No longer stupid, not yet infirm”
Is still the mantra I quote with great joy
Who knows what chances to learn and explore
Might emerge and allow me new skills to employ?

This poem already causes us all too much pain
But kinda fun to try my hand at it again
I’ll stick to prose, not to worry, my friends
Just wanted to write something down on this day
To see what emerged here as summer ends
What have I, approaching mid-50s, to say?

It’s kind of a lot, and it can all wait
Because at this age when it gets late
Sometimes ya just gotta get ready for bed
The deep thoughts will save for another day
Oh and I have dough yet to be shaped
So just wanted to check in and say

Wishing you all so much peace, joy, and love
That any adversity may be borne with fortitude and grit
That you never feel alone or defeated (for long)
That your self-efficacy and confidence take turns at the wheel
With humility and connection riding shotgun
And who cares if the last stanza of your poem rhymes FFS
Life is too short to make everything perfect

Onward, my people. Celebrate ourselves and one another!