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Poetry: I never knew

by Kathleen Richardson

I never knew what it would feel like

To collect six- or seven-figure pay

To reach the moon, step and leap

Weightless pioneer for one memorable day.


Author, psychiatrist or lawyer

Featured on Oprah or Dr. Phil's show

Versace-gowned actress

Accepting an Oscar and curtseying low

Inventor, public speaker, or the like

I've occasionally imagined my life with a golden glow.


Time passes by, opportunities melt away

Might-have-beens quietly passing through

Has it really been so stark

This life I've chosen to pursue

Though royalty, fame, money and such

Have never been part of my life, I have you.


To my love, to my children,

To everyone, I can truthfully say

It's been a joy to live this life of

Carpools, puppy dogs and outdoor play


I heartily confess that I prefer

The reality of what I have

To that which I never knew.


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