The Magic Line ”“ So it Seems!
The 65 years of life age is the magic imaginary line
Navigated the 65 years in life and survived intact
What a fulfillment! So it seems!
Oh! That imaginary line of dependence to independence
65 years of life rushed by with some ups and some downs
What a relief! So it seems!Oh!
This is the license to be grumpy, grouchy and irritable
An air of conquer and “I don”™t care” attitude
What a triumph! So it seems!
Sit at home and collect my CPP, OAS & free medicines?
Fewer taxes to governments for this and for that
What a freedom! So it seems!
The hidden traps unseen when crossing over the magic line
Retirement takes you away from colleagues and friends
What a radical change! So it seems!
The old abode suddenly becomes too large to manage
Your kid”™s memory is still intact though they left the coop
What, sell & move? So it seems!
The struggle to decide where to move drives you mad
Downsize, remove clutter, have a hobby goes the refrain!
What confusion! So it seems!
Organize family records, photos and memories for simplicity
Be smart and have financial plans to spend pension money
What preparedness! So it seems!
Go travel, go to Mexico, go to sun, run from the snow and cold
A constant clamor to go for vacation from friends and neighbors
What a ruckus! So it seems!
Loneliness of retirement and senior years loom large
Mental and physical ailments become the daily grind
What an existence? So it seems!
Well, going over 65 years is not that magic line or is it?
To establish priorities and clarity of purpose is the panacea
What an option! So it seems!
Remove past grudges and accept the world as it is
Keep your humour and daily exercise
What a tall order! So it seems!
Establish a spiritual bondage with the world and the Creator
Let go peacefully with satisfaction and achievement in your heart
What transformation! So it seems!
Poem by Pravin Shah, Deep River, Ontario
(approached 65 years of age on 8th April, 2005)