Taking risks

When all is said and done,
how many of life's risks do we remember?
Perhaps those that taught us something
or led to new opportunities.
Time smooths over those that didn't work out—
we say it wasn't meant to be,
or that something better would come along.

In this - middle - stage of life,
I make time for things
that make me feel like me.
With children now more independent,
and career plodding along,
I throw myself into it all:
two bands, languages, writing, swimming;
instruments, fundraising, volunteering; pick me!

Occasionally, deadlines collide,
and I remember that, foolishly,
I never intended to not excel
at any of them.
Since seven pm, I've had steel band,
swimming training,
Italian to complete
and poetry to write.
Now midnight beckons
and it's time to take a risk:
this.