I turned fourteen.

Work part-time they said. So I did.

Others being kids.

While I stack shelves and build my credit score.

I turned nineteen.

Start a career they said. So I did.

Others having parties sleeping in.

While I ride forty minutes on a bus to town.

I turned twenty five.

Buy a house they said. So I did.

Others going for dinner and drinks.

While I frugally cook my rice.

I turned thirty two.

Have a kid they said. So I did.

Others enjoying sleep and spare time.

While I spend every moment sustaining life.

I turned thirty five.

Have another they said. So I did.

Others with their perfect sleepers.

While I lose the small moments I did have.

I turned forty.

Upgrade your house they said. So I did.

Others having hobbies.

While I maintain a house for us to “live” in.

I turned fifty.

Work a little longer they said. So I did.

Others winding down.

As I ramp up to set up my kids’ futures.

I turned sixty five.

Retire they said. So I did.

Others established in their routines.

As my tired body readies itself to start living.