Altering Perspectives

My small child craved security
I found it in my parents' love.
To counter my timidity
I prayed for strength from God above.

In early teens, if late for tea,
my parents knew just where to look.
They'd find me in the library
devouring yet another book.

My later teens saw me branch out
I followed all things sporting.
My hormones, too, began to sprout,
I started to go courting.

I loved the chase, learned so much more
about that thrilling game of chance
from willing, eager paramours,
hot to trot the lovers' dance.

And then the special girl arrived,
she occupied my waking dreams.
Against the odds our love survived
through peaceful walks by gentle streams.

We kissed before the altar when
The priest pronounced us man and wife.
It felt like being born again,
next chapter in the Book of Life.

So now it was my time to care
for everyone who needed me.
My darling wife was pleased to share
with children, no, not two, but three!

As I progressed towards middle age
I realised that I'd been blessed.
No more those petty childhood fears,
I stood up tall, puffed out my chest.

The world of work, too, did inspire.
I loved my job and did it well.
Of helping folk I couldn't tire,
while never letting my head swell.

The children grew and flew the nest
each pursuing their own goals.
A stallion and his mare, impressed,
so proud we were of our strong foals.

Then suddenly, or so it seemed,
I'd reached that age, I must retire.
My kind employers wisely deemed
I'd earned my slippers by the fire.

Perspectives changed, I must take stock.
More time to think, to ponder life.
Without my job, without my flock,
sharing leisure with my wife.

Introspection, some new fears,
wondering what lies in store.
Healthy, active, golden years
or crumbling, stumbling to death's door?

Whatever fate may lie ahead,
my focus falls on God's true love.
I'll practise virtue till I'm dead
and pray my soul finds Heaven above.