Twenty

Oh to be Twenty again,
Young and carefree.
No bills to be paid.
No worries to have.
Every day a hazy enjoyment.
All my earnings my own.
Daytimes working.
Nighttimes with friends.
Parties and alcohol.
Bed at one am.
Up again at six.
No ill effects and tons of energy.
No pain in my body.
No uncertainty in my mind.
Future was wide open.
Life stretched far ahead of me.
Love of my life walked in.
The distant future was planned.
Life promised to be so rich.

Now at thirty-five.
My love is now my husband.
My house a shambles.
Falling apart around my ears.
Bed at nine pm.
Still up again at six.
Transposed lager for tea.
Money always runs thin.
Work is a chore.
Living hand to mouth.
Confined to a breaking body.
Always so tired.
Strong arms and love binds me.
I'd be nothing without him.
Life did pay out on the promise.
I am rich where it counts.