Simplicity

Life was so simple-
As a child, there was no ceiling
running through the grass
and joyfully squealing.
Then, laying on my back
and watching the sky,
imagining angels on clouds
as they floated by.
Yet time passed on
so slowly it seemed
minutes felt like hours
especially in dreams.

As a youth, there was stillness
in the rotating world
thoughts were so clear
and goals unfurled.
Approaching the age
where the future feels close
must prepare and study,
get ahead like most.
No time for sitting
and watching the night
the sunrise is calling
and time feels tight.

As a young adult, there was knowledge
that had to be learned
but my eyes were opened,
I embraced and yearned.
The earth full of color-
it brought me to tears,
of joy and laughter
of experiences and years.

As an adult, shortness of breath
a shrinking ceiling
and ungraspable time
has me reeling.
The world is chaotic,
the noise unbearable-
thoughts are all jumbled
and usually unsharable.
Gray is the palette
surrounding my head-
just worries and stress,
responsibilities I dread.

My diagnosis isn't fatal
as grown as I may be
the cure is quite close
and simple to see.

As a Mother, there are little hands
that like to explore-
they show me that world
I once knew before.
We watch every sunset,
we pause and we listen,
to hear the frogs croak,
marvel at stars that glisten.

That time is returned,
the noise disappears-
when I am patient,
and kiss those small ears.

The things I am learning
from their sweet, tender hearts,
can bring me right back
to where simplicity starts.