Forty, a Poem

Forty years old
What does that mean
It’s time to fulfill the American dream?
A husband, career, children to hold
But what if my path doesn’t fit that mold
I’m the loner, the single one, the kid at heart
The one who wants different things
Things that set me apart

I want time with my parents, my pets, nature too
I want a big life
I want room to move
I want travel and love and stories to tell
I want to be kind and compassionate and silly as hell
I want to inspire, to lead, and make a name for myself
I want to protect animals, the planet, and our future health
I want to laugh, to love, to play, and be free
I want to find people who want to find me
I want to belong and be my true self
I want others to feel seen
I want to be courageous enough to help
I want to be more patient, attentive, spontaneous too
I want beauty, peace, comfort and darn good food
I want lighthearted TV for joyous escapes
I want family and friends and eventually a date

But most of all I just want to be
Be in the moment, be present, stop thinking everything through
Stop worrying and analyzing but keep planning too
Just be happy, be light, one moment to the next
Don’t fear the future, let go of regrets
Do things, be active, be productive and relax
Care for my loved ones, be grateful, and thankful to the max
So now at forty, one thing holds true
I love my life even though it may look different to you
Here’s to celebrations and joy
Good health and laughter to come
Here’s to the next year
Here’s to forty-one