Life

By Ruhudeen Ali

Childhood - a time of youthful spirit.
Innocence, comfort, joy, no worries.
Every direction, a frontier to be explored.
Every moment, an adventure unfolding.
Every morning, a new page.
Anticipation of hopes and dreams.
Awaiting life’s journey ahead.

Adolescence - a time of shocking discoveries.
Anxiety, frustration, sadness, loneliness, laughter.
A period of ripening - neither this nor that. Of unrequited lovers.
Mischievous undertakings, while undermining authorities.
Crying in your room - realizing something you didn’t want to.
Life’s mysteries unfolding.

Adulthood - a time of duties and pressures.
Drab monotony, restriction, regret, contentment.
Each day, the same thing - no surprises.
Seeing everything under the sun, wondering what’s left to be seen.
Overburdened by responsibilities, the colors of life running thin.
Seeking rest and retirement - looking back on your life.
Awaiting death.