they look at you like you should be done making mistakes by now, like thirty years is enough time for everything to settle in — to settle down, that a life must at some point become concrete… but look close and see the cracks and spaces, feel the openings
Speaking as a 75 year old woman, I still fall on my (figurative) ass with alarming regularity. And I'm not very adult. The good news is I also do not care anymore what others think of me. And that... that is the greatest gift.
My son was asked once (when he was about 20) how it felt to be the only adult in his family. When he told me that, all I could think to say is, "Yeah... what does that feel like? And thanks honey, for being the adult." He shook his head, and thankfully, laughed. Wryly. But it was still a laugh.
Awww here we are in life. Being the eternally incomplete. I have decided that that is what I am. I believe it is what humanity is as well. At 80 I am still very spiritually incomplete but accepting and happy.
You are gaining a good understanding of life at thirty. It is your saturn return astrologically and a time for reflection and to reset what needs to be reset.
You’re not alone, Franco. I’ve felt the same kind of things my entire adult life. I don’t think we’re ever done growing, yet I still find a lot of crazy-ass childlike wonder every day-in the world, and in myself. I think I’m a lot like Dee Dee D and I agree with her comment.
Loved this. That moment, when you look around the room for someone that is better at adulting than you ... and realise you are the only adult in the room. But that is over simplifying your point here.
We all continue to grow, regress, learn life lessons ( often forgotten until the next event harshly reminds us). But the thing for me, particularly in my own family, is the yardstick of one's idea of life success, having made it, grown up, taken on responsibilities- is wildly different to another's. And that can cause some serious friction ( read estrangement....). I think everyone needs to remember that measure of success is a life full of curiosity, happiness, pain, love, sorrow, all of the feels. Creativity. Connections. Otherwise what's the point?
“…but look close and see the cracks and spaces, feel the openings and know that I am incomplete…”
Why would anyone want to be “complete?” If you are complete, then why exist another day?
The “cracks and spaces” reminds me of the song, “Man of the Hour,” by Pearl Jam. We played that song at my father’s memorial service. The song IS my father...he was a “tidal wave.” But the last few lines of the song were the point, as far as those he left behind. The "cracks and spaces" serve a purpose:
Great poem, Franco. Oh yeah, we all get that. Don't listen to them. Follow your own path and never get too serious. We need our childlike awe and wonder to enjoy this life. :)
Speaking as a 75 year old woman, I still fall on my (figurative) ass with alarming regularity. And I'm not very adult. The good news is I also do not care anymore what others think of me. And that... that is the greatest gift.
My son was asked once (when he was about 20) how it felt to be the only adult in his family. When he told me that, all I could think to say is, "Yeah... what does that feel like? And thanks honey, for being the adult." He shook his head, and thankfully, laughed. Wryly. But it was still a laugh.
Wonderfully written. 👍🏼
I often forget I am liquid. What a wonderfully written post...definitely needed to hear this today!
Awww here we are in life. Being the eternally incomplete. I have decided that that is what I am. I believe it is what humanity is as well. At 80 I am still very spiritually incomplete but accepting and happy.
You are gaining a good understanding of life at thirty. It is your saturn return astrologically and a time for reflection and to reset what needs to be reset.
Just an aside. I think you are perfect. :)
You’re not alone, Franco. I’ve felt the same kind of things my entire adult life. I don’t think we’re ever done growing, yet I still find a lot of crazy-ass childlike wonder every day-in the world, and in myself. I think I’m a lot like Dee Dee D and I agree with her comment.
I think being a creative (sometimes) makes one think, appear, and behave so differently that they are seen less of what they should be.
I read this and thought, this is a wonderful way to start my weekend.
Best phrase of the poem: "untrue words
written on ice " that is what it feels like sometimes
Thank you. I can't tell you how much I relate to this -- and I needed to see this tonight.
Loved this. That moment, when you look around the room for someone that is better at adulting than you ... and realise you are the only adult in the room. But that is over simplifying your point here.
We all continue to grow, regress, learn life lessons ( often forgotten until the next event harshly reminds us). But the thing for me, particularly in my own family, is the yardstick of one's idea of life success, having made it, grown up, taken on responsibilities- is wildly different to another's. And that can cause some serious friction ( read estrangement....). I think everyone needs to remember that measure of success is a life full of curiosity, happiness, pain, love, sorrow, all of the feels. Creativity. Connections. Otherwise what's the point?
“…but look close and see the cracks and spaces, feel the openings and know that I am incomplete…”
Why would anyone want to be “complete?” If you are complete, then why exist another day?
The “cracks and spaces” reminds me of the song, “Man of the Hour,” by Pearl Jam. We played that song at my father’s memorial service. The song IS my father...he was a “tidal wave.” But the last few lines of the song were the point, as far as those he left behind. The "cracks and spaces" serve a purpose:
And the road
The old man paved
The broken seams along the way
The rusted signs, left just for me
He was guiding me, love, his own way
Now the man of the hour is taking his final bow
As the curtain comes down
I feel that this is just goodbye for now
https://youtu.be/kmUP1gp6cTs?si=sEyAXBmX8GSSvWiW
Dee Dee Wise👍
Wait until you get to 65 lol
I'm reminded of song lyrics from "Free to Go" by Folk Implosion.
'Chasin' linedrives, butterflies, watchin' TV.
Had seven good years 'til I noticed they were lookin' at me.'
Great poem, Franco. Oh yeah, we all get that. Don't listen to them. Follow your own path and never get too serious. We need our childlike awe and wonder to enjoy this life. :)
I like to find my tribe - I’m fighting the concrete every day, and it is good to know I’m not alone.
“My greatest riches are untrue words written on ice” 💚 awesome Franco 👌