More years ago than seem possible I saw a movie about a high school kid who ditches school for a day and has an adventure with his friends.
"Life moves pretty fast." says Ferris Bueller, "If you don't stop and look around once in while, you could miss it."
I was in my mid-twenties then, single (often dateless in fact) and impatient for the next phase of my life to begin. My life was still moving fairly slowly, but even then there were days when I was shocked to be waking up and going to work, as opposed to going to high school - or even public school.
I've lived half a lifetime since Ferris said those words, and every year goes faster than the last. At this time of year (the lull between Halloween and Christmas preparations) I tend to reflect and reminisce. As the leaves fall I'm drawn back to early spring when I was so excited to see the trees in bud. Where did those months go? Yesterday I covered up a few flowers in my garden and helped my son hang the Christmas lights, all the while amazed that another year passed so quickly.
Thus, last night as I spent a wakeful hour trying not to wake the house I came upon an unfinished poem that hit just the right note with me and quickly completed it.
A Gala Affair
Nobody remembers
the entrance they make
to the party that starts
as first breath they take.
Without any trimmings
you naked arrive
to much celebration -
you're here! You're alive!
Your mother's exhausted,
your father's relieved;
your very best entrance
has now been achieved.
The party continues
as milestones are met
and photos are taken
so none will forget
when first steps were taken
or first day of school,
or first date you went on -
you thought you looked cool!
First grade school - then high school -
is finished - and then
you move somewhere else
and begin school again.
Your studies are over -
now life has begun -
the rest of this party
is nothing but fun!
Or that's what you think
as new ventures you dare -
this party called life
is a gala affair!
With photos all flashing
you walk down the aisle
and as guest of honour
you're wearing a smile.
You settle in nicely
to marital bliss -
no party has ever
been more fun than this!
Soon filled with excitement
you'll let people know
a new guest arriving
just might steal the show.
Now you'll aim the cam'ra
as photos are shot.
New party has started -
new milestones are caught.
No longer the star you'll
now take a backseat
to newer arrivals
but hey - life is sweet!
Once guest book is filled up
the bash is full swing
and this party called life
is a fabulous thing.
This party is lively;
this party moves fast.
And most of us just want
the party to last.
As children move on to
pursue their own dreams
your party starts getting
less rowdy, it seems.
But all celebrations
don't need to be loud;
you stand on the sidelines
both happy and proud.
Soon the gala affair
becomes party for two,
the venue is smaller,
but party you do.
You know life can still be
a gala affair
where sometimes old timers
will stir from the chair.
You may not look pretty,
the young folks may stare
as you get to your feet at
this gala affair.
The party ends sooner
than most of us think.
You make that grand entrance;
you're gone in a blink.
So you, in your dentures
and I, in my wig
will take to the dance floor
and dance a last jig.
We may not be graceful
but still we'll have fun,
and keep celebrating
'til party is done.
By Sharon Flood Kasenberg (November 14, 2014)
Life does move fast, but every new day brings fresh opportunities - it isn't over until it's over. Until then we should continue to grow, to laugh, to learn, and to join in the celebration of life.
And maybe even dance a jig or two.
