Circle of Life

A baby was named this past Saturday
At a service that I attended.
On Sunday there was a memorial
To remember a life that has ended.

One weekend’s events, back to back, in fact,
Help remind us we must understand
That however we try, in the blink of an eye,
Life’s trajectory follows as planned.

We’re born and we’re diapered, we’re nurtured and fed;
We grow up and suffer or thrive.
We live for the years that our bodies can take
And one day we’re no longer alive.

Our family and friends get together to mourn
And remember the person they knew;
But most likely there will not be anyone there
Who can conjure that newborn’s debut.

That’s the way it should be; it’s the circle of life.
The years vanish quick, like a snap;
But the memories and the impressions they’ve made
Form a reservoir waiting to tap.