Once I used to envision myself.
As a muscled-up risk taker…
Hold on to your victories now,
Before the wheelchair and caretaker.
I celebrated every happy day,
With each full glass of wine…
Until the doctors broke the news,
I was running out of time.
There were hundreds of possibilities,
Yet I could think of none…
Then after one day in the hospital,
The doctors discovered, one.
I moved from Stockton to Carmel,
Then from Carmel to Jenny Lind.
The foothills were incredible,
Yet I chose to move again.
I moved to an island in Washington,
Making Whidbey Island my home…
Unaware in San de Fuca,
Some Buffalo still roam.
I’ve been fixated for years on China,
Comparing the elders to their youth…
How different generations in other nations,
Separate propaganda from the truth.
Often when comparing countries,
You see both the Doves and also Vultures…
Discovering the shared values of life,
Expressed differently in other cultures.
Chinese young respect their elders,
Celebrating they’re still alive.
American youth sees the elderly,
As lacking any incentive or drive.
Chinese children grew up on Mao films…
Mine were Disney’s Bambi and Fantasia
Asia’s children are researching freedom,
While I explore in depth, youth in Asia.
Disclaimer: This piece contains a non-threatening play on words. If you know of anyone contemplating suicide, please call or refer them to the Suicide Hotline : 800- 273-8255.
