Sad salad sandwich
between slices of time
childhood's freedom
and adolescence recalled more fondly than deserved
now that I'm on this side of the cheese,
and the crustiness of elder ages
chafes me when I turn
and all that's left to life is
but the heel.

Listen to me whine!
Like sixteen I still can pout
lamenting over injustice dealt me,
putting music to it

Still, as I celebrate my stubborn immaturity
a song from the 80's
the not so long ago 80's
comes on and reminds me
of things I didn't do
and things I did.

And I realize what my mother
and my grandparents have known for years--
that I'll never ever
never ever
be that young again.

The breakfast club has disbanded
relaxing after dinner,
the kids in bed
the lamplight dim,
the volume turned down low...
enjoying peace.
embracing calm.
Oh, my God.....
how sad!

by Lisa Rodriguez
1997