In the spring of her life
green, fresh fields feed
childish delight with bright flowers,
chasing butterflies
through tall dewy grass.
Hours are full of fancy,
pondering the nature of clouds
feeling the ooze of worm
in the palm of a tiny hand;
Never-ending days of wonder.
The full bloom of ripe summer,
her life vivid with scent and sound
as she tends children tawny from the sun
and makes tangy lemonade with ice.
The children age, different pursuits
mark the passing of the years,
patching knees and packing vacation bags.
Love spread thickly among husband and children,
Her nights steam with passion
as she lives life to its deepest flavor.
At the peak of her career
achievements brilliant as fall leaves;
crimson, coral, bronze and gold,
full-bodied colors
paint her life's landscape
from a palette of sunset tones.
Rich peals of laughter fill her hours
as she has time at last to share
with family, friends and colleagues,
warm thoughts like autumn holidays.
When the fullest years have passed
she banks her life's fire to nourish
the gently dying embers.
Dried apple skin wrinkles with each smile.
Grandchildren treat her
like a well-polished heirloom
and take her words as wise beyond their years.
Serene and fearless,
she sits, awaits the coming
of the long dark winter.
by Barbara Walton
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