The Over-Fifty Class Reunion (And the Lessons That I Learned)

Photo by leah hetteberg

As we grew older, school friends scattered,

Promises to stay close no longer mattered,

‘Cause, I was the first one to move.

With that distance we grew apart and changed,

Our thoughts, perceptions, directions that ranged,

From marriage, college with career, or both.

Our inner growth has made us different,

Our dreams became more divergent,

But growing older should mean there’s nothing to prove.

Yet, some still maintain a veil,

Of their true selves and prefer to sell

Their flawless looks are real, “I’ll take an oath!”

A class reunion usually tells the tale,

Of those we thought we knew so well

If the veil of vain can then be removed.

Some refused to let age overcome them,

Dressed in styles of days that “had-been”,

While others wore outlandish modes I really loathed.

But it was fun to see, 

My friends as they wanted to be, 

While looking older but stepping up their groove.

Some nips and tucks were not shoddy,

While tight clothes showed off toned bodies,

Eliciting many offers of, “A drink and more, I troth!”

Not being catty or showing chagrin

At my own flabby body and double chin,

But I wondered what their bods showed when clothes were removed?

I saw some mates roll their eyes,

While others gawked in surprise,

At the visions of these older-aged Barbies.

It didn’t really matter,

For soon we’d all scatter,

Back to our homes and realities.

I felt very fulfilled from seeing many friends,

Regardless of their changes, their outlooks, and trends,

Because who knew when we’d see each other again?

For on the last day,

As we prepared to go our own way,

Sad news came without a forewarning.

A classmate and a peer,

One who we all held dear,

Had just passed away that same morning.

We all hung our heads,

Feeling the sadness and the dread

Of more sad news to come, but when?

We’d now lost forty-two from our class of eighty-nine,

And at each reunion we will pine

While missing each and every one.

I have learned how important it is to live,

Each day with as much love to give,

To all of our friends and classmates.

Photo by LOGAN WEAVER | @LGNWVR

For we will never really know

How soon time will slow,

And then take each of us to pearly Heaven’s gates.

So, live your life to the fullest-

Even if it’s not the purest -

And honor the friendships that you’ve won.

Major accomplishments or not,

Let your friends know you love them a lot,

And keep celebrating life ‘til you’re done.