August of 2012 from my window I spied them
By the pool playing word games. Now how
Cool is that! I left boxes unpacked and hurried on
Down, assured of their welcome by manager Pat.
Epiphany zany – this group of ladies will kindly include me the very
First day I arrive. Thriving in this place would soon be my lot.
Gregarious, hilarious and gracious to boot. I thought to be part of these ladies a
Hoot. But does such enthusiasm have a lingering shelf life?
I wondered, while pondering old memories of moving when
Joys abounded, then were followed by proving what
Kind of friends we would be in the long run.
Late in the day, winter and summer, we gathered to play and have fun.
Much to our surprise we realized with glee that we had morphed into an
N.O.R.C. The papers report designs giving heart to ladies unresigned to the old ways
Of aging. Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities are the clue. We’re in the stage of
Preparing to age with pizzaz. We plan to pool skills and gifts of which we have
Quite a few. First off we comprehend that the race goes to those who don’t fall.
Right. We’ll exercise, practice balance and wear a necklace that calls for help if we do.
Struggles will dog us. We have no doubt. Our strengths will erupt like the fountains of youth
That we once were. Alas, now no more. But we’re good to our word and strong-hearted of core.
Upright is our motto, and proudly we stand. Canes and walkers may aid us as undaunted we
Vow to be true to each other while we yet hold the cards and continue our games.
We wrinkled warriors with a clear plan or two have by pure luck found our own
Xanadu. We awake everyday, say thanks for our blessings. What’s ahead is left to guessing.
Yesterday is behind us, our future’s unknown. Today we remain happy, independent and free.
Zany epiphany? Oh, yes I can see a new horizon beckons to me.
poetrybyheart.me
Sometimes everything has to be enscribed across the heavens so you can find the one line already written inside you. Sometimes it takes a great sky to find that small, bright, and indescribable wedge of freedom in your own heart. David Whyte
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poetrybyheart.me 
Well done! A-Z with class! I loved it.
Thanks, Colleen. ❤
Awesome using the whole alphabet with this! 🙂 Great poem as well!
Many thanks. 🙂
Your acrostic is absolutely wonderful! It is quite a challenge and you lived up to it, including the internal rhyme! Loved it.
Thanks for your comment. ❤
🙂
Thanks.
That’s quite a feat! The poem and the experience!
Well done for expressing so much. It really does illustrate your experience and perspective on where you are and life’s changes, with the modesty with which we can all learn your new wisdoms. I love it.
Thanks so much for your comment. I’m glad I communicated the joy and wisdom of my word game ladies. This time of living is a wonder to me. 🙂
Amazing. U did the whole alphabet. And, the words about powerful and determined seasoned women resonated with this 72-year-old, seasoned sistah.
Thanks. These women would welcome you if you were here. ❤
Thanks, Janet. ❤
Oh yes! You hit it very close to home. You work all your life to retire in a community with lots of rules and regulations and they congratulate you when you can do the alphabet. LOVED your x word. 🙂 ❤
Thanks for writing. I was afraid I would sound like I was in a “home.” I live in a regular apartment building where a bunch of like minded older women just happen to live. We are planning to beat the system and stay here where there are no rules. Thats where the “naturally occurring retirement community ” comes in. Your comment sounds just like the places we hope to avoid. ❤ 🙂
Susan, thanks for your comment above. Heaven forbid we should end up in the sort of all-too-real place you describe. I reworked my post to be clearer about where I live now. Take a look and let me know what you think. Thanks. ❤