My Prime
In the fitting room trying on last year’s best
Looking in the mirror, thinking about time
How old was I in my prime?
I walk through the mall like it’s the 90s again
And a song comes on by Boyz II Men
Was it back when I was in middle school?
Covering up with a t-shirt in the pool?
I head to the sale racks at H & M
Looks like I am in high school again
Oversized shirts and wide leg jeans
I know I didn’t hit my prime at 16
Next, I hear a classic by Celine
It all comes back to me as I dream
About days when basketball took my time
With that curled ponytail was I in my prime?
Did I hit my prime with eyeliner on?
No wrinkles, yet, with my bronzer strong
Headed out at eleven, but it didn’t seem late
Playing third wheel for my friends with dates
Walking by Express, I have to go in
That one in the Oviedo Mall was my friend
Did I peak the first time I moved away?
Tan from biking every Saturday?
Did I hit my prime in an adventure race?
When I was facing fears and making mistakes?
Running marathons without much thought
When my muscles were lean and my skin was taut?
I walk by Auntie Anne’s, but I better not stop
If I want to fit into the shorts I just bought
Was I in my prime back when I was skinny?
Wearing size 8, but not feeling pretty?
Was it in my twenties when I started to coach?
John Wooden’s Pyramid was my approach
Dressing up for Friday nights in the gym
Do I wish those days were back again?
I peek at Francesca’s, but keep walking by
Those days are long gone, it’s depressing to try
That store makes me feel like a Tommy Boy line
Was I at my best when those rompers fit fine?
It must have been when I moved to the beach
Running at sunrise, my dream within reach
With no make-up on and a messy bun
Jimmy Deans for breakfast…that was fun
I leave the mall and throw my latte away
Was it when I stopped at Starbucks every day?
In my thirties, with a home of my own?
A room full of shoes, and my first big loan?
I know, it was when I changed my hair
The cost of the highlights didn’t compare
To the confidence they gave me about my face
With a nose I wished I could have replaced
I get in my car and hear Ed sing our song
Was I at my best with my wedding dress on?
Fresh hair, fresh nails, false lashes too
Wanting to look my best for my groom?
I look at my reflection in the rearview mirror
7 years later, it’s become much clearer
To chase the outward appearance of my youth
Is a losing battle…an uncomfortable truth
But then I remember, I didn’t see it then
Always striving for what I could have been
Never seeing my beauty at the time
I’m learning something about my prime
I pull in our driveway, feels good to be home
My body is stiff, I stand up with a groan
With my eyeliner smudged, like it does every time
I think about the day I hit my prime
The day I first saw myself as His child
When my value didn’t come from my weight or my style
I hit my prime every morning when I meet with Him,
And He tells me that I am beautiful again
