Gentlemen, Rise Poem by Fabian Gerard Stanley

Please join me as I raise a toast
To memories of which I fondly boast
From all I remember through the years
Songs, hair-dos, seasons and fears.

Here's to my first school and my first friends
Tiny Tots we were, life's loose ends
To be molded into societal fabrique
I was told I was unique.

Here's to the radio and ev'ry song
Aired ev'ryday and played out long
Disco was at it's lively best
The Rat Pack fading to final rest.

Here's to the style icons of the time
Bell bottoms, platform soles, afros by the dime
Bug-eye glasses for class and chic
Worn on an outing at the end of the week.

Here's to the first girl I did discover
T'was magical bliss till it was over
Then several rebounds came and went
Those wonder years gladly spent.

Here's to when acne came along
Chest hair, confusion, wine and song
The roller-coaster I did long ride,
Youthful chaos on every side.

Here's to first jobs and the start of The Grind
The rat race had started, freedom lay behind;
My path is a patchwork colored and true
Experience in every shade and hue.

Here's to family, friends and love
And countless blessings from God above
With gratitude runneth over my cup,
A life now full, Gentlemen, drink up!