These Are My JOTtings, Part #2

The Youth Within

"I want to run, and jump, and play,
to have some fun quite oft.
I'm bored of sitting quiet each day
with just some thoughts aloft."

"'Tis true, 'twould be the greatest thrill
to speed through life, again,
as when the legs could run at will,
and bliss would often win,

"but now the days are fading fast
of heartbeats, and the breath
why should we know the frivolous last
of moments 'fore our death?"

"Why should, indeed, we know some joy
before our flesh is toast?
Why should we be that youthful boy,
who did things without boast?

"My God, Man, get up off your couch
to take each day by storm!
You need not be an old-age slouch,
a wriggling, slimy worm."

"I thank, thee, Son, the youth I was,
for jarring me a-loose
from ancient lethargy because
man's life is blest by use."

"We still can go. We have some days.
There's hope for us to grasp.
The joy of life is as Christ says.
All death is from the asp."

by Jay O’Toole
on March 16th, 2023