When I Was Twenty One . . . .

They threw me towards the ceiling, what a feeling,
I was knocking at life's door - now they could let me in;
between engagements, we were all paying installments,
unaware that we would land ourselves in predicaments.

We discussed having a family - too much of a commitment,
'Ah, so you just want me for my body,' it wasn't my intent;
how outlandish we were because most of us had a 'flare,'
we widened our horizons to do what the oldies wouldn't dare.

My parents were rich until the war came, everything went,
realisation dawned, reluctantly, your time had been leant,
you occupied a space, that would duly be taken away,
couldn't change the time tho,' indelible memory so they say.

Many years on, my kids asked me what I would have done,
'Be cautious,' I say, 'Whatever happens, just protect yourself son.'