Too Soon Old

Too Soon Old

What do you see my friends, what do you see... what are you thinking, when you’re looking at me?

A crabby old man, one not very wise, uncertain of habit, with faraway eyes. Who dribbles his food, and makes no reply... when you say in a loud voice, "I wish you’d try?" Who seems not to notice the things that you do, and forever is losing, a sock or a shoe. Who, resisting or not, lets you do as you will... with bathing and feeding, the long day to fill.

Is that what you're thinking, is that what you see? Then open your eyes, my friends, you’re not looking at me. I’ll tell you who I am as I sit here so still, as I live at your bidding, as I enjoy company at your will.

I’m a small child of ten, with a father and mother, brothers and sisters, who love one another. A young boy of sixteen, a football in his hands and with wings on his feet, dreaming that soon now, a lover he’ll meet. A Marine soon at eighteen -- my heart gives a leap, remembering the oath that I promised to keep. At twenty-five now, I have a platoon of my own, 'who need me to guide them and secure a trip home. A man of thirty, my youth now going too fast, hopefully bound to others with ties that should last. At fifty my daughter and sons have grown and are gone, and I have no one beside me to see I don't mourn. At sixty no more babies play round my knee, again I know heartbreak, my loneliness and me. Dark days are upon me, my dreams are all dead; I look at the future, I shudder with dread. For my young are all rearing young of their own, and I think of the years and the love that I've known.

I’m now an old man, and nature is cruel; 'tis jest to make old age look like a fool. The body, it crumbles, grace and vigor, depart, there is now a stone, where I once had a heart. But inside this old carcass a young man still dwells, and now and again my battered heart swells. I remember the joys, I remember the pain, and I’m loving and living life over again.

I think of the years; all to few. Gone too fast, and accept the stark fact, that nothing can last. So open your eyes people, open and see, not a crabby old man; look closer -- see Me!!!