My puzzle pieces always fit,
my expectations never quit.
So much joy, so little woe~
I watched my world of roses grow.
I really thought I'd have it all~
I wouldn't stumble, much less fall.
Then little things fell out of shape~
my perfect dream tried to escape.
New lives came, while old ones went~
sometimes I broke instead of bent.
I never knew but should have guessed
that each of us must pass a test.
None of us will ever leave
before we find our time to grieve.
Somehow we learn from pain so great~
for some of us. . . we learn too late.
I'll know I've learned to swim not sink
the day I leap that final brink~
And feel no need to apologize
when it's time to look into God's eyes. . .