MY LIFE

A birthday comes, a birthday goes,
the years pile up, but just suppose
I turn myself around to see
what all these years have meant to me.

My life began on Echo Lane
with lots of sun and little rain.
The sun beat down and made me hide
to keep from burning up outside.

My siblings spoke a lot of words.
I learned a few but I preferred
to make my own, like deeden, otten.
But now their meanings I've forgotten.

Grapefruit grew along the street
watered by men with booted feet,
sloshing at night through irrigation,
opening the locks at every station.

Near us lived so many friends,
down the street, around the bends - 
Harpers, Popiks, gals and fellas,
Krekelers, Nickerson's, Campanellas.

Sunday Mass with Father McHugh,
home for eggs and bacon, too.
Dad, the chef, surprise, surprise.
Who knew he was so kitchen-wise?

We had records, books, a rocking horse,
swings in the yard and bars, of course.
But then when I was ten we moved - 
I was sad but soon it proved

A chance to join an acting group - 
the Studio Theater Workshop troupe!
I met Jan Wolfe and Beth and Frank
and many more to remember and thank.

From there I went from stage to stage
learning my craft as I grew in age.
I watched my favorite, Carol Burnett,
and Lily Tomlin I'll never forget.


After college I went to work,
operator, ticket seller, secretary, clerk.
Guess what happened after that - 
back to school and there I sat

Discovering how to teach young minds
numbers, reading, writing, all kinds.
I finally earned my teaching degree.
I work in El Paso, lucky me!

For another change in my life was due.
When I met Mike it all came true.
Our lives are joined, as veggies, yum,
and planning our future for years to come.

			Lucille Murphy. (Mom)