Growing Old Isn't For Sissies

Growing Old Isn't For Sissies


The morning light fills my room;
a smile creases my face.
I made it through another night.
I'm still in the race.

My name won't appear in print
as one of today's obits.
Thinking this I ponder:
Is this as good as it gets?

I'm too young to be too old,
I'm not the Bingo type.
I don't enjoy "the good old days."
It's just a reason to gripe.

I watch my diet, keep in shape
and daily run the beach.
I dance and I still chase the girls
though they're often out of reach.

Now my memory gets spotty.
It's a challenge I am facing.
I caught a lady yesterday
but forgot why I was chasing.

I still enjoy a drink or two
though it oft comes to naught.
More than one beer is wasted.
I have to pee a lot.

Youth is now sold in a pill
but I think that you will find
that nothing takes the place
of an active, busy mind.

All in all, life's still worthwhile.
I live each day to the max.
When I'm dead and buried
I'll have lots of time to relax.

Growing old's a challenge,
not for the faint of heart.
You need to keep on pushing
just like at the start.

As they approach the finish line
too many people choose
to slow their pace to delay
the end but that is just a ruse.

I'll hold my pace and extend
the race. I'll add another lap.
Excuse me now, I have to go -
I think it's time for my nap.

Notes

A contest entry in "SENIOR CENTER FORUM"  [ASR]
Title Prompt: "Growing Old Isn't For Sissies"

Thank for sharing a smile with me. Please take a moment and leave a comment... your reactions, criticism, praise , all are equally welcome.

Ken