No regrets
for past
stumbles, scrapes, and scars
shape my resilient
rhythmic life.
My history is not
haunted nighmares
but enchanted daydreams
in progress.
No remorse
for hours
with fellows, family, and friends
our priceless laughter and tears
our well-earned shared wealth.
No regret
for solo hours.
Solitude
isn’t a void
but a refuge for self-discovery
sculpting the authentic me
free of regret.
I love
the moonglow
and starry silence
of the night.
Nighttime,
my time
to relax, reflect, and rejuvenate.
These are the hours
that restore life
but it’s the hours before,
the golden hours,
when sun reflects his softest hues
that I am reminded
of my life
worth living.
I got an extra hour of sleep
overnight
Why does my bed
feel like it’s stuck in quicksand
pulling me slowly deeper,
tighter into its grip?
Why is my alarm clock
snooze button like
an addictive online game
I can’t resist tapping?
Why does today’s
to-do list feel longer,
heavier than it did
last night?
Why do we
still insist on
falling back
and springing forward?
Why?
As I look back on the first 18 years of my life, it’s like peering into a time capsule of memories and milestones. The journey has been a blend of moon landings, musical magic, and Macintosh moments. Would I go back to those days? Well, maybe not to relive my awkward fashion choices or the cringe-worthy, but absolutely awesome school dances, but as an observer with adult eyes, I just might appreciate the delightful chaos of youth that was, after all, an essential part of growing up. Let’s embark on this nostalgic adventure and see where the time machine takes us next!
1969: The Moon landing was humanity’s great leap, a lunar rendezvous that made stargazers out of us all. I think. To be honest, I was barely beginning to master small steps this year, so I will pass on a repeat.
1970: The Beatles officially called it quits, marking the end of an era in music. Mom tells me that the breakup devastated our favorite babysitter, but what do I know of it? Do we want to rewind and keep the band together? Let it be.
1971: Intel introduced the 4004 microprocessor, something that intrigues this techie. Would we Ctrl+Z to the birth of modern computing? Nah, but I am happy it happened.
1972: The Watergate scandal began to unravel, setting the stage for political drama that was juicier than a daytime soap opera. Would we want to dive back into that political swamp? Well… those that don’t learn from history… Oh wait, are we repeating history in 2023?
1973: “The Price Is Right” introduced us to Bob Barker. Daytime viewers couldn’t wait to see contestants win a brand new car. I don’t care repeating 1973, but there’s still a chance I could be the next contestant on “The Price is Right.”
1974: Grover made his first appearance on “Sesame Street.” There’s something about that furry friend that still warms my heart today. I would go back to meet Grover.
1975: Microsoft was born, a tech giant that has changed the world. Bill Gates has an intriguing geeky superhero and supervillain origin story. Would we want to witness the dawn of the software empire? Hmmm… reading about it and watching the different television dramas about these events is enough.
1976: The United States Bicentennial Celebration with nationwide festivities and fireworks seemed to unite the country. The red, white, and blue wasn’t divisive like today. Pass the sparklers, please. We need to return to a time when the word patriot really meant something.
1977: “Star Wars” landed in theaters, and my parents let me walk to the nearby mall movie theater with friends to experience the cosmic adventure. Would we want to jump back into hyperspace? Why? We have streaming services now.
1978: Atari brought video gaming into our homes, or at least my cousins’ home, offering classics like “Space Invaders” and “Asteroids.” It was like having an arcade just around the block. Do I want to revisit those pixelated adventures? I have Wordle and Tetris on my laptop, so I’m good.
1979: The Iranian Revolution shook the world, leading to the overthrow of the Shah and the birth of an Islamic Republic. It was like a political earthquake with lasting aftershocks. Would we want to witness that seismic shift again? Let’s watch from a distance. Oh, wait…
1980: John Lennon’s tragic assassination in New York City left the world in shock and mourning. It was the current event I remember. Would I want to rewind and protect that musical legend? I imagine we could.
1981: IBM introduced the first personal computer, the IBM PC, marking a new era in computing. I enjoyed staying after school to experiment in our computer lab. Would we want to restart the digital revolution? Control, Alt, Delete, and let’s go!
1982: Michael Jackson released “Thriller,” an album that became the best-selling of all time, moonwalking its way into pop culture history. It was like a musical moonwalk that left us moonstruck. Would we want to relive that chart-topping dance again? Beat it!
1983: “WarGames” hit the big screen, a techno-thriller that had me rethinking my love for computer games. It was a chess match with global consequences. Would I want to revisit this cinematic countdown to chaos? Would I like to play a game? Wordle is a bit safer.
1984: Apple introduced the Macintosh with a graphical user interface, transforming personal computing. It was like opening the door to a user-friendly digital wonderland. Would we want to relive that tech wizardry? Think different, and absolutely!
1985: Live Aid rocked the world, benefitting Ethiopian famine relief. It was like a musical mission to save the world. Would I want to be part of that rock ‘n’ roll revolution again? Rock on!
1986: The Space Shuttle Challenger disaster shook my trigonometry class and the world, leading to the suspension of the U.S. space shuttle program. Let’s remember the heroes and learn from history.
1987: “The Simpsons” made their debut as a series of animated shorts on “The Tracey Ullman Show,” introducing us to the quirkiest family on TV. It was like meeting your wacky neighbors next door. Would we want to step back into Springfield? D’oh, absolutely!
As I look back on the beginning years of my life leading up to 1987, I realize that my journey has been a blend of moon landings, musical magic, and Macintosh moments. Would I go back to those days? Well, maybe not to relive the awkward adolescent choices, but maybe as an observer with adult eyes, I just might appreciate the delightful chaos of youth that was, after all, an essential part of growing up. As my journey takes me to the moment of my high school graduation in 1987, I can’t help but reflect on the adventures, challenges, and growth that shaped my early life. It all began with those earliest memories that sprouted around 1973-1974, like little seeds in the garden of my mind, eventually blossoming into a garden of experiences. I’ve laughed at the quirks of each year, grooved to the tunes of the ’70s, and marveled at the leaps of technology in the ’80s. It’s a reminder that life is an ever-evolving story, and I live it, whether as an active participant or a curious observer. So, here’s to the past, but let’s not forget to live in the present.
The placid depths of lap pool
release relief just beneath
water’s surface
with each stroke
I lose myself
in the rhythmic slaps
of lap swimming
I glide through water
past twenty five yards
of azure-tiled canvas
breathing bubbles,
releasing stress
unwhispered secrets retreating
from daily burdens.
Pushing and pulling
through water
I am guided
by the metronome
in my mind
one, two, three, breathe
one, two, three, breathe
inhale, exhale,
inhale, exhale
The pool buries noises
and chaos of the streets
I immerse myself
deeper
beneath surface
silence and solitude
connecting mind, body, soul
in rhythmic bliss
I’ve written about this topic before. Check out these poems:
