When I Was

was young,

my parents gave me love,

and sorrow

never touched me.

was a teenager,

another love

touched me,

but it was crushed

when she went away.

was a young man,

where bombs fell,

blood spilled,

where friendships died,

and I cried for them all.

was in love,

where marriage

brought children;

our children

brought grandchildren.

was an old man,

when I buried

my true love,

next to my parents,

next to two sons.

was in my quiet time,

alone

and waiting,

tears falling,

awaiting my turn.