Life Keeps Getting in the Way

I used to think it was work
That stopped me from doing what I wanted
Going on the river, to the beach,
Or out to dinner with friends.

I looked forward, once I retired,
To doing what work had prevented.
Alas, it’s not work that’s the problem,
Life keeps getting in the way.

I want to finish my book
But eating gets in the way.
There is so much to read and research
But cooking gets in the way.

I have wonderful ideas for the plot
But shopping gets in the way.
And characters who want to grow
But cleaning gets in the way.

Creditors who want being paid
Use funds and get in the way.
And medications to be picked up
Use time and get in the way.

Dust that’s supposed to be dislodged
Would be happy to be allowed to stay
But clothing screaming to be washed
Is more that gets in the way.

I want to have fun in the garden
But snow gets in the way
When lettuce finally appears
It’s in the deer and rabbits’ way.

When I sit and read in the sun
Bugs and bees get in the way,
Or visit historical places
Gas prices get in the way.

The winter we’ve just had –
Has been in everyone’s way
When the weeds all grow big
They’ll be in the plants’ way.

When I sit at my computer to write
Making the dust wait another day
I bundle up to keep warm,
Saying: “Life, get out of my way!”