When I was a child. . .

My life meant hugs and bugs and excitement. A pretty bird, or a fast horsie. Love was all I knew. Innocence was all I knew.

Morals were black and white, good and bad, right and wrong, good guys and bad guys.

My favorite color was red because it was the first color of the rainbow.

My relationships meant cuddling with Mommy, and being tickled by Daddy.

I wondered about anything and everything.

my goals were to be just like Mommy, and to marry Daddy. Not to forget being the best world famous ballerina in the world.

The future looked like firefighters, dancing, librarians, chefs, a big big family, with a nice big house with lots of flowers, a pet elephant, driving a big bus, and makeup.

*~*~*~*~*~*~

When I was in Middle School. . .

My life meant music, makeup, bras, boys, zits, movies, friends, boys, clothes, swimsuits, boys, flirting, Orlando Bloom, teachers, parents, internet, nailpolish, boys.

Morals were a bit foggy. the black didn't seem quite so dark and the white seemed dimmer than before.

My favorite color was silver, because it was beautiful and mysterious at the same time.

My relationships meant parents, boys, boys, boys, friends, animals, siblings, crushes, friendships.

I wondered about sex, drugs, alcohol, diseases, rape/physical abuse, cuss words, God, grades, spiritual beings, romance.

My goals were to have a rock band with my friends, to get a good haircut, to get a cute boyfriend, to travel to exotic places, to be different yet accepted by all.

The future looked vague and unclear, like it could go in a million different directions.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

When I was in highschool. . .

My life meant boyfriends, cars, parties, camps, friends, laughs, tears, emotion, looks, parents, bikinis, music, cell phones, summer, summer jobs, scholarship applications, hurting friends, joyful friends, stoned friends, friends, friends friends, boys, motercycles, dates, religion, opinions, and magazines.

Morals were gray. Who could tell now what was right and wrong when the 'bad boys' opened doors for old ladies, and Christians swore viciously?

My favorite color was black, for all the pain I had seen and my general mood.

Relationships meant communication, passion, enfatuation, lust, friendship, caring, boys, girls, parents, siblings.

I wondered about college, the future, parents, self worth, talens, homosexuality, fear, money.

My goals were to have a sexy boyfriend, to get good grades, to get into college, to stay in highschool, to keep my virginity (or at times to lose it), to stand out yet be accepted, to have 500 friends on myspace.

The future looked even more confusing than in middle school!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

When I was in college. . .

My life meant parties, parties, parties, guys, terms, freedom, beer, guys, dorms, roommates, clubs, being broke, the graveyard shift, classes, plans, parties.

Morals were unknown and uncared about.

My favorite color was crimson for nails, blood, and romance.

Relationships meant concerned parents, horny boyfriends, caring friends, and jealous siblings.

I wondered about the meaning of life, the secret to the universe, God, marraige, full time jobs, annoying professors, meth.

My goals were to survive the next four years, get married, get dead drunk every night for a week.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

When I was middle-aged. . .

My life meant family, car, friends, kids, bills, house, job, teenagers, phone calls from the school, bills, a husband, cleaning, home videos, long time out of touch friends, barbeques, cooking, computers, pets, and birthdays.

Morals are changing with every presidential election.

My favorite color was a light blue for simple peace.

Relationships meant hugs, soft kisses, dancing romantically in the living room, understanding, stressful, sticking through till the end, protective, and nurturing.

I wondered about kids these days, technology, foreign places, heaven, hell, politics, old celebrities.

My goals were to get my kids into college, to make sure my family grew up happy, healthy and wise, to survive my children's teenage years, to make my husband feel comfortable when he comes home from work.

The future looks like a nice relaxing retirement plan.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

When I was old. . .

My life meant family, grandkids, death, canes, wheelchairs, smiles, hugs, flowers, church, cookies.

Morals were black and white once again.

My favorite color was lavendar for rest and dreams.

I wondered about the future, my grand kids.

My goal was to get out of bed every day feeling thankful I'm alive.

The future looks near, full of laughter, tears, and comfort. I've lived a full life.

Want to comment on this Poetry? Sign up to Edit Red and you will be able to comment on Poetry and get access to: Upload your own stories and poems, get readers and their feedback, promote your work...