Youth

                           Youth

Youthful energy on the field,
Chasing and attacking the soccer ball.
So much life yet to explore,
So much life yet to live.

Youth can still compensate for being out of position,
Life becomes more unforgiving as youth fades.
Requiring more intentionality and focus,
As maturity changes the game.

Perspective changes watching on the sideline,
As a parent with many seasons lived.
Race isn't to the swift,
Life isn't fair, it is good though.

Live in the moment together,
When life seems to never end.
Play in the moment together,
While free of responsibilities.

A herd of yearlings bucking and running,
Unbridled and wildly stretching legs.
A time comes when energy of youth gives way,
Maturity requires shift of energy and resources.

A different type of play together,
Joy found in new places.
Who once was,
No longer am.

Past pleasure no longer satisfies,
Now a deep conversation brings pleasure.
Silent moment with lover,
Depth of powerful river running strong.

Resisting and "cowboying" solutions,
No longer effective or attractive.
Shootout at the OK Corral lost its thrill,
Change is what is challenging and brings pleasure.

Winning takes on new meaning,
Winner take all lacks mercy and grace.
Legacy is about quality of people leave behind,
Did I love well - my God, wife, kids, those around me?

New playfulness in loving acts of service,
In giving to those who can never repay.
Sparks of hope God can ignite into change,
In the end - did I love well - that is legacy.

About the Author:  Brian Bucks lives on a small horse ranch in Western Nebraska and is a husband, father, electrical engineer, and poet.