I always thought I’d marry and give birth,
but didn’t know I’d wed at 22.
And though we didn’t plan, one New Year’s mirth
produced a Virgo girl with eyes of blue
and ash-blonde hair, like no one in my clan.
When 5 years passed we had our little man,
and then divorced, and mostly after that
I balanced like a frantic acrobat.

I never worked a harder job. At last
both kids were launched to work and love and strive.
Each married well and seemed to learn to thrive,
returning love to me. Their ways surpassed
my expectations. Glad to be alive,
next year they’ll introduce grandchild 5.

(Pushkin Sonnet)