Taking Stock @ 60

In our first 20 years, we're training.
In our second 20 years, we're aiming.
In our third 20 years, we're claiming, then
In our fourth 20 years, we're naming.

So, taking stock here @ 60, here's what I see 
when I take a closer look at the one who is becoming me.

I'm a writer-downer, a recorder, 
a summarizer and reporter.
A gap-filler, a needs-meeter, 
On my best days, a finisher-upper.

Not a leader, really, not a future-seer, 
nor a risk-taker or a way-maker.
More of a sag-wagon driver, 
or a street sweeper. 
But don't mistake me for a late-sleeper.

I'm a puzzle-doer, program coordinator,
A lost-finder, a good looker,
Avid practicer, not perfecter
I'm a ducker, mostly not a hitter.

More of a guest than a hoster,
A preparer, not a roaster,
I'm a greeter. Really, a welcomer,
Sketcher, chalker, and avid walker.

I'm a waiter and a seer
A fan and a cheerleader,
supporter, and attender
Challenger and contender.

Call on me as cleaner-upper, 
A problem solver, a self-starter.
Yes, a spell checker and self-editor.
Explainer and a moderator.

Investigator, question-asker.
A tender and sharer, an appreciator.
Both doer and undoer.
A go-er and come to-er.

On Sunday I'm a pew-sitter, 
an enthusiastic hymn singer.
Both practitioner and preacher, 
an unfolder and a teacher.

Call me thinker, ponderer? you bet
A poet-er, yes, a poetess, 
Also, a poet-mess
But I dare not be poemless.

I'm just a scribe, really a scribbler.
Get it all down before I forgit 'er
A builder, not a demolisher
scratcher of surfaces, dedicated looker under-er.

I'm a gatherer, not a hunter,
A convener, rarely a punter.
A playmaker, deal-breaker,
a truth-teller, reader and discover-er.

Def an un-waster, collector and keeper.
A news consumer and a news creator.
Only occasionally am I a spectator.

What I will be, we will see
Glad I'm still growin' at sixty.