On Being

Born a girl, blonde curly locks
Playing Barbies
Dressing, undressing, pretending
Riding bicycles, skating, swimming
School!
Making friends, choosing favorites
Passing, failing
Speeches, exams
Graduation!

High school
Make-up, clothes, dances, boys
Boys in cars, touching, curfews
Rebelling, I hate you!
Crying, winning, losing, hurting, betrayal
Passing, failing
Speeches, exams
Graduation!

College
Money, cars, working
Friends, partying, drinking, hangovers
Relationships, future, career
I love you!
Fear, failure, accomplishment, bonding
Passing, failing
Seminars, exams
Graduation!

Engagement
Flowers, diamonds, dresses, colors, halls
Arrangements, future, honeymoon
I love you forever!
Doubts, hesitations, cold feet
Commitment, vows, rings
Sealed with a kiss
Marriage!

Happiness, sadness, arguments
Together, sharing, loving
Money, children, houses,
Hockey, soccer, dance, gymnastics
Tired, tired, tried
Work, school
Passing, failing, passing
Closeness, distance, arguing
Avoidance, togetherness
Family!

Middle Age
Sore, aching, contentment, acceptance
Sickness, heartache, loss
Avoidance, togetherness, aloneness
Success, exhaustion
Grandchildren!

Old age
Freedom, freedom
Aloneness, sadness, happiness
Illness, deterioration, saying goodbye
Hopelessness, revival, joy, giving, knowledge
Alive!