Old

Oh, my friend
Are you old or new?
You say that time flies
Now your life is nearly through.
But to me you're a wonder
A wise, traveled being
You've been through the world now
So much you have seen.

Are you being quite honest
When you say, "old is hell"?
Is it more than your body
That isn't feeling well?

Is old truly that heavy-
A bagload of bricks?
And young just a feather-
Or is it a mix?

You say vision starts failing;
Though there's much more to see
Your hearing's disappearing-
Can you even hear me?
You walk just so slowly
The weight of old on your back
I wish I could help carry
That big heavy sack.

I guess I'm a torment
A picture of all
You were and you wish for
Before old made you fall
I really am sorry
There's nothing I can change
Our ages are much different
Our emotions a wide range

But someday I'll take your place
My lonely, withered friend
Then I'll know what it feels like
To finally reach the end.