Standing Tall And Proud

In the realms of time, a voyage proceeds,

A fairy tale of fifty years.

An intricate mosaic of joy and turmoil,

A symphony of one's life journey.

At the dawn of my youthful dreams,

The fire in my tender heart was strong.

With ambitions like Hannibal and Mark Anthony, I put in my sail,

Across the vast, emerald ocean of life and opportunity, I have triumphed.

My first years were full of boundless energy,

I climbed the treacherous dragons' mountains.

Through the highs and lows of life, I found power and will,

And I learned life's journey was not a thrill.

In the midst of the green maze, I faced new choices,

Different paths brought me new challenges,

But I grew up through all this.

I learned valuable lessons, responsibilities and started a family,

Love and sacrifice are the epitome of the soul.

By bringing up the next generation, I have found happiness,

I guide the cubs with wisdom, and offer a moral compass they will never miss.

These fine women and men are the legacy of the seeds I planted years ago,

Testifying to a remarkable journey of love,

All learned from the university of hard knocks!

Each step has never been correct,

Hidden barriers exposed the real weight of life and death, 

Loss and grief cast shadows on my saggy, wrinkled face.

I learned how the most profound pain can be hidden from plain sight.

The loss of a mother, siblings, grandparents and friends seared my tender heart.

Through the endless tempests, I found comfort and grace,

In the changing of seasons, I have found a unique and quiet place in my heart.

For wisdom grew like flowers in the rain,

  

Now fifty reflections come into play,

As the shades of the sunset melt with the evening breeze,

I smell the sweet fragrance of the red bottle-brush trees, and night roses.

I find myself at a crossroads.

As I retrace my footsteps, you can see the trail I carved into the stone path. 

Each memory is an immense and lasting treasure.

Now, I embrace the wisdom I have garnered over the years,

And I realise my journey is far from over.

With determination and passion, I travel silently but steadily.

As a leader, coach and teacher, 

I continue to open the literary gates to others.

I believe my life's work is never over,

As long as I have breathing and a beating heart.

I will walk with you, inspire you and make you dream,

The best is yet to come beneath the eternal heaven.

For a fifty-year-old, new chapters still unfold, 

And I stare at the celestial galaxy, 

Wondering where the whole time has gone.

Life is fascinating, but also an abysmal journey!

The best thing you can do in this life,

Is not to fear.

Just let the cards fall where they fall.

What happens to us sometimes is not our fault. 

Life is a rainbow tapestry of joyful times.