Curvature of Life

At sweet sixteen, her smile so bright,

I, a bud of shyness, turned out of sight,

Exceptional reply, a chance missed,

Regret filled my heart as I reminisced.

At twenty-five, she kissed her groom,

I, a failure, cast in love's gloom,

Exceptional stare, face filled with despair,

Realizing my thoughts, I was well aware.

At thirty-four, in the park she walked,

With two kids by her side, they talked,

I, a man of silence, lost in thought,

Exceptional sigh, my pain unsought.

At forty-three, tears flowed, divorced,

I, a man bewildered and forced,

Exceptional heartache, a world falling apart,

Where did it all go wrong, I pondered with a heavy heart.

At fifty-two, she vanished from view,

I, unsure if I cared or withdrew,

Exceptional curiosity, a burning desire,

Where did she go, fueled my inner fire.

At sixty-one, she sat in dismay,

I, an old pa with wisdom's display,

Exceptional courage, a smile I bestowed,

Finally saying, "Hey!" as our stories flowed.