A life recycled
A youthful me
ran marathons,
cycled the length and breadth
of the country,
made waves continually,
was arrogant,
confident and ambitious,
had a young wife,
small children,
dozens of friends,
no money
and no spare time.
The present me
runs to the loo,
recycles his rubbish,
and shakes continuously.
I am more thoughtful
but less confident;
blessed with
the same beautiful wife,
adult children
with their own loved ones,
and a handful
of truly special friends.
I am comfortable
and have time for reflection.
A return to health
would be great
but a return to youth
and a denial of
a wonderful life;
not so sure.
The present me
is happy
and at peace
...mostly.
Ronnie Wood indeed; if I remember rightly — and please correct me otherwise — Ronnie was in The Small Faces and then The Faces with Rod Stewart before he joined the Stones —
I often consider this too. I wouldn’t want to be young again with the same anxieties and foibles, but if I could have that physicality with what I know now and the relationships I have now… It’s probably a good thing that it doesn’t work that way. Too much power, perhaps? I found it interesting that you mentioned less confidence. One of the things I enjoy most about being older is feeling so much more confident in who I am and what I can do. I suppose I’m less confident when faced with physical strength challenges, but otherwise I feel much more solid in life. Did you mean physically? (Don’t dive into this if it’s getting too personal, of course.) 🙂
Thanks for this long and interesting comment, Sheri. I think by the confidence thing, I meant socially, but only with new people. Probably because my social circle has shrunk as I have aged.
Ah, yes. I think that happens to most of us when we’re not out and about as much too. I suffered from severe social anxiety in my late teens and twenties and it took many years of hard work to get myself out there. Eventually I got to being in groups (with authors) and then leading and even being on stage. But I quickly lose confidence when isolated and at home too much – like during the pandemic. I’ve managed to at least go out to the local pub once a week to meet one friend – even when we had to bundle up and bring a blanket to sit outside last winter. 🙂
Hobbo's Poems 
well done you! contentment is a precious thing.
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Thank you; it sure is. 👍
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wonderful, Hobbo: it is so important to count our blessings: enjoy our senior years 🙂
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Thanks. Inspired by listening to Ronnie Wood from the Stones reflecting how quickly life passes us by. 🙂
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Ronnie Wood indeed; if I remember rightly — and please correct me otherwise — Ronnie was in The Small Faces and then The Faces with Rod Stewart before he joined the Stones —
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Yes John, you do remember correctly. Now he spends his spare time painting and he is an excellent painter. A very talented man. 🙂
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well, that’s something I’ve learnt today; thanks Hobbo 🙂
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Live and learn as they say. It always amazes me how truly talented people seem able to turn their hand to anything. 🙂
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What a great place to be in, Hobbo!
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It is, really. 😊
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Very emotive poem and so very true 👍😊
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Thank you, Michele. It is. 🙂
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To be contented is a blessing.
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👍 It sure is.
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I often consider this too. I wouldn’t want to be young again with the same anxieties and foibles, but if I could have that physicality with what I know now and the relationships I have now… It’s probably a good thing that it doesn’t work that way. Too much power, perhaps? I found it interesting that you mentioned less confidence. One of the things I enjoy most about being older is feeling so much more confident in who I am and what I can do. I suppose I’m less confident when faced with physical strength challenges, but otherwise I feel much more solid in life. Did you mean physically? (Don’t dive into this if it’s getting too personal, of course.) 🙂
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Thanks for this long and interesting comment, Sheri. I think by the confidence thing, I meant socially, but only with new people. Probably because my social circle has shrunk as I have aged.
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Ah, yes. I think that happens to most of us when we’re not out and about as much too. I suffered from severe social anxiety in my late teens and twenties and it took many years of hard work to get myself out there. Eventually I got to being in groups (with authors) and then leading and even being on stage. But I quickly lose confidence when isolated and at home too much – like during the pandemic. I’ve managed to at least go out to the local pub once a week to meet one friend – even when we had to bundle up and bring a blanket to sit outside last winter. 🙂
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Pleased that you are out there, even if it is wrapped up in a blanket! 🙂
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How wonderful, Hobbo. And of course, we are so lucky to have your wise words.
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😂 Thanks. Mrs H calls me many things but wise is not one of them.
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Family and friends. Food on the table. Roof over your head. Does anything else matter in the grand scheme of it all?
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Not at all. Everything else, well, it’s just stuff!
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