Spanning what has been, as such within this lifelong, long,
The intermittent interludes dictate the days of song,
The halls of sparkling clarity, the avenues of joy
When corridors of enlightenment emerged, when, but a boy.

Tense before the starters gun, the competition hot
Clad in silk and spikes exuding confidence, I'm not.
Bare feet pounding on the turf I lead off like a hare
"Let him go" the Grammar scoffs, "at the mile post I'll be there".

With 250 yards to go I hear pursuing feet,
Engaging yet another gear with fleet of foot, so sweet,
To surge ahead to victory and win glory for the school,
But joyous to this pounding heart, to beat Grammar, was so cool!

Realization pulsing at the softness of her touch
Electrified engorgement when the need was, Oh too much.
Walking on a ten foot cloud of spangles from above
With thumping heart and pounding breath, could this be first love?

Wedding bells ring on our bright sunny day
And the bride's looking gorgeous and anxious to say...
I will, I will in a lifetime decree......
And the planet spins wondrously well, friend, for me.

Sun set through the windows of a peaceful, happy home
Lawns are mown and Autumn leaves, little kids have grown.
Happiness pervading, there is loving in the air,
As I run my fingers through my darling's auburn hair.

The pride of a father with the ultimate acclaim
When the kids have grown to manhood and gently explained,
That it's time to put the feet up, relax and recall
That they now call the shots, Dad, Cos you don't know it all.

Time for that interlude when introspection calls,
When the warm flood of memories echo down halls,
When the weariness bites at the back and the knee
And you've, perhaps, come to terms with your...( big sigh), mortality.

M.
"Foxglove"
Taranaki NZ
6th May 20211