~69~ Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

I never thought the age of 69,
I would find just as exciting...
To be blessed to live it experienced.
What a gift.

69!
Even when I say it...
It is as if I have achieved to receive,
An award I deserve.
Afterall...
There was not a minute or an hour of it,
Did I sit to watch a day of it served.
I participated and can say,
69 is not a given.69 is earned.

Lessons to learn from many obstacles to face,
Chasing fears away has not slowed my pace.
Everyday I awaken seeking to be challenged.
While I witness others my age,
Attempting to prevent this blessing to them sent.
Yet looking as if time to them given is a threat.
Not me.
I want it known I have found 69 to be,
Well...
A walking on a path of an incredible journey.
Everyday I look forward to what to me comes next.

Although I will admit this,
Even the aches and pains...
On those days I live with,
I wish I could disguise and hide...
When I am at home, alone.
But it seems in public they come and go.
With a doing to show they are on their own.

'Ooohhh. JESUS. Father God.
Oh, my Lord.'

~I'm sorry, sir.
But...
Did I step on your foot?
I didn't think I...~

'No.
Even if you did,
I wouldn't have felt it.
You see...
I'm at the age God likes to remind me,
To express more appreciation...
For allowing me to be 'still' in HIS presence.'

~Huh?
Uh...
I don't understand.~

'I don't expect you to.
When I was your age,
I didn't understand it either.
I remember when my grandfather would...
Say...hey.
Where are you going? '

~To the back of the bus.
I have text messages I need to return.
And besides,
I know how you old people...
Like to talk yourselves.~

'Excuse me?
What?
I am not OLD.
I am...
69.
Sss...sssty...
Forget it.
You young folks...are...'

~I know.
Disrespectful.
One day we'll both get over it.~

'Father?
I need you to seal my lips.
Right now!
Don't let me get up and act a fool.'

~Deep breaths, O.G.
Deep breaths.~

'What?
What did you...
THANK YOU.'