I did not wait

Until age took its toll

Until the years carried me on

Their river of life's memories made

I'd hoped to

I expected to

Whether my sight

Or my hearing

Or my limbs failed my request

To function as they had

And they should

I would

With the determination of one

Who is bold

Not decrepit nor old

But younger than my years announced

Live

The river of life

Has many meanders

And rapids

And treacherous falls

Where you can drown

From the catalogue of chaos

Serving to sever your

Soul

From its bindings to your

Whole

I did not wait

For age to tear out my page

Neither did the knife

Or the assailant forever unknown

And now my song is silent

With barely an echo to proclaim

I had ever been

I had ever remained

I had ever been more

Than a ripple

On the river

This poem was written for the PoetsPub 4th Annual Biggest Competition Ever. Granted, it's really about murder by an unknown killer, but it talks about expectations. About life and death and the fact you never know when one might become the other. I hadn't intended on posting it quite yet, but my good friend  was in an accident last night. If you follow her on Instagram or Facebook, you'll see her talking about it. Luckily, she's going to be fine, thankfully.

We really do have no idea when our time is up. Most don't even think about it. So, live life while you can. Be the best you and make it worthwhile.