Expiration Date


R.

Recently, I've learned

I'm more a sinner
than a saint
I've complained too much
by comparison to those
with no complaints


They're too busy loving
even loving life
in a place called "Tree of Life"
on Baltimore Pike


I see them smiling but some can't see that well

Some have trouble telling the tales they have to tell

It's a sad situation
but
it's reality


I've learned a lot from
people a lot happier than me


I didn't realize I had it that good
Never thanked my lucky stars
Never knocked on wood

I guess I'm not that sharp
because I've learned too late
Happiness doesn't have to have an expiration date


I have some trouble parking there
but I own a car
I have no trouble walking
but others
can't walk that far.


I see there are interpreters for those
who can't hear
Some never have what I have
every day of the year.



The atmosphere is friendly
but its been the fate
for those with disabilities
and too much on their plate

I used to think my problems were too much for me
but I found out too much is someone else's reality

There's laughter and there's gladness
more than you'd expect
From those with dimming vision and who've got
what no one would want to get

I've had difficult situations but they've gone away


But there are those with conditions they have to live with every day.


There's hugs and happy greetings
From some who are in pain.
They're living with conditions
that would drive me insane


They don't get much respect
they've learned to live with this
and when they get their needs met is kind of
hit or miss.

So every Friday
that is when the warriors come in

Winning the game of life
taking it on the chin

It's a place of happiness
that's the song I hear
From those who never get what I get every day of the year.


I didn't realize
that I've had it that good

Never thanked my lucky stars
never knocked on wood
I guess I'm not that not that sharp
because I've learned too late
Happiness doesn't have to have an expiration date.
© R Becker