The Valuable Time of Maturity

The Valuable Time of Maturity

I counted my years and discovered that I have
less time to live going forward than I have lived until now.

I have more past than future.
I feel like the boy who received a bowl of candies.
The first ones, he ate ungracious,
but when he realized there were only a few left,
he began to taste them deeply.

I do not have time to deal with mediocrity.
I do not want to be in meetings which parade inflamed egos.

I am bothered by the envious who seek to discredit
the most able, to usurp their places,
coveting their seats, talent, achievements and luck.

I do not have time for endless conversations,
useless to discuss about the lives of others
who are not part of mine.

I do not have time to manage sensitivities of people
who despite their chronological age, are immature.

I cannot stand the result that generates
from those struggling for power.

People do not discuss content, only the labels.
My time has become scarce to discuss labels,
I want the essence, my soul is in a hurry…
Not many candies left in the bowl…

I want to live close to human people,
very human, who laugh of their own stumbles,
and away from those turned smug and overconfident
with their triumphs,
away from those filled with self-importance,
who does not run away from their responsibilities…
who defends human dignity.
And who only want to walk on the side of truth
and honesty.
The essential is what makes
life worthwhile.

I want to surround myself with people,
who know how to touch the hearts of people…
People to whom the hard knocks of life
taught them to grow with softness in their soul.

Yes …. I am in a hurry … to live with intensity
that only maturity can bring.
I intend not to waste any part of the goodies
I have left …
I’m sure they will be more exquisite,
than most of which so far I’ve eaten.

My goal is to arrive to the end satisfied and in peace
with my loved ones and my conscience.
I hope that your goal is the same,
because either way, you will get there too. ”

~Mário de Andrade~
Brazilian Poet
October 9, 1893 – February 25, 1945

Standing on the cusp of a new year, many of my generation are in the season where we have counted the years and realize there are less now going forward. Fewer candies in the bowl, we are savoring more care-fully what is left. In the last week I learned of the too soon passing of a colleague, life threatening illnesses beleaguering same-aged friends, and terminal illness ready to snatch all the candies from others. Seldom arriving at New Year’s threshold with a feeling of ease, this one accentuated by both the many harrowing and hallowed events, I, too, find myself more care-fully discerning and winnowing to essence. I, too, want to end satisfied and in peace with my loved ones and conscience, hopefully after tasting deeply from that candy bowl, and, as Thoreau wrote, sucking out all the marrow of life.

Much love and kindest regards, dear friends.