Running From Forty Poem by Shelley Williams

I thought much of my past
and wished time would stand still.
I was afraid to turn forty
because it seemed all uphill.

I tried hard not to face it
by telling myself that I'm young.
I behaved more like a child
when words rolled off my tongue.

I had a week until forty
but I didn't ask for that day.
So, I acted like a child
and played with the kids anyway.

'Ha ha, try and catch me! '
I ran fast with the thought.
but, forty kept getting closer
No matter what I was caught.

I went inside the small closet
and shut the door tight.
'Forty cannot find me here
in the dark there's no light.'

Time went by quickly
and forty came knocking.
I acted like I wasn't home
while in silence, no talking.

I played games with the kids
that forty might let me be.
but, my bones were now aching
from being young and carefree.

It was hard to accept
another year had gone by.
I sat in disbelief of my age
and tried hard not to cry.

I was caught on my birthday
when they all yelled surprise
The games we had played
brought tears to my eyes.

I could not easily escape
the age meant to be.
I had turned forty in years
but to me I was only three.