Wrinkly Bits
A Blinking Poem by Gail Cushman
Blink
I’m 17 and headed off to school
To learn about life and gain some other tools.
Blink
The Marine Corps called and I answered the phone
Off I went to boot camp, but wasn’t alone.
Blink
I met a Marine pilot, whose name was Tom
We fell in love but before long, he was in Vietnam.
Blink
Along came a baby, Elizabeth was her name
The years fled by and things were never the same
Blink
And then came Cole, a mere two years behind
He rattled our brains, a phenomenon that would blow our minds.
Blink
They lived at home for eighteen years and then they were gone
To college, the Marine Corps, Vegas and beyond.
Blink
We worried and fretted, and now and then they sent mail
Wondering what they were up to, praying Cole wasn’t in jail.
Blink
But then Cole found Pam and went to mine gold
They had Tommy and Nate, then moved to the cold
Blink
What Elizabeth up to? Don’t worry, I’m fine
She found Chris, who was one of a kind
Blink
Maggie and Roe, tiny babies they were the best
But in just a blink they’re now leaving the nest.
Blink
Little did I know Tom and I would last so long
But 51.8 years, in a blink he was gone.
Blink
Then I met Cowboy, and took a chance
On love again, and a bit of romance.
Blink
All the worries, all the fears
The months sped by and then the years.
Blink
We’ve gone on adventures, trips and such
Sometimes I thought I was doing too much.
Blink
But then I blinked, and made a new list
Of things to see, do, that I don’t want to miss.
Blink
The tears of joy, sorrow, and hurt
But then I blinked awake on the right side of the dirt.
Blink
My 79 years have sped by in a flash
And what I learned is that it passed by too blinking fast.
Blink
