My hands aren’t what they used to be
And for that matter, neither is my knee.

Old age is creeping through the door so fast,
Even though I feel like I did in the past.

Can’t run or jump with zest anymore,
Sometimes I have trouble just opening the door.

Jars and bottle lids…boy are they the “pits”
Even after running warm water and administering multiple hits.

Picking things up way down there on the floor.
Well, I just can’t do that with ease anymore.

Putting on socks and pulling up jeans,
Makes me realize, I’m sure not in my teens.

How I long for a pain-free day,
Then I could go outside to work and not have to pay!

But those times come less frequently now than before,
As I grab for the ibuprofen and take some more.

Sometimes I think to be young again would be so great,
Then, I stop, think, and contemplate

On all those trials and tribulations of learning and yearning when I was young and bold,
And suddenly, I realize there are so many advantages of growing old!

By Ann Leyh