Growing old probably has
Advantages. Yes? Perhaps.
Although it makes me a little nervous
When I have a memory lapse.

We should grow wiser, shouldn't we?
Wisdom comes with age, they say.
Tomorrow then I hope to be
Much wiser than I am today.

One thing that's certain is these days
I spend more time than I did in the past
At doctor appointments and funerals.
And NOW time passes by so fast!

Though I'm able to read in English,
German, French, Italian, Spanish,
And also a little Norwegian, how much
Longer until my synapses vanish?

It's said that playing an instrument
And learning languages helps the brain.
I hope so, yet it seems that I
Forget much more than I retain!

If in October you ask me about
A book I finished in September,
I can say I read it, but that's
About all that I can remember.

But reading itself is such a pleasure
That when I read a book and then
Forget the details completely, I know
That I can always read it again.

Was it that long ago that I
Was trim and I could jog and dance?
My jogging/dancing days are over,
And now my tummy hangs over my pants.

But walking's something I can do.
I can walk for miles at a time,
Even though I'd hardly say
That currently I'm in my prime.

Every day should be an adventure,
For life's marvels are manifold.
Don't let anything stop you--not even
A little thing like growing old.

-by Bob B (3-6-20)