When I Was Young

When I was young and healthy
and held our baby in my arms,
I felt so strong and wealthy,
couldn't conceive that any harm,
would ever really reach me,
my wife and Iife were charmed.
When I was young and healthy
I believed with all my heart.

Even on a winter's day
when a chill was in the air,
I didn't need a coat
and didn't have a care.
My smile was like the Chershire Cat,
the one who'd got the cream.
Maybe I was foolish
but i believed the dream.

Now as I look back upon
a cherished photograph,
I see the joke was on me,
and finally grasp the laugh.
Youth doesn't last forever
even babies become old.
Fair weather's not forever
and winter's all run cold.

And though I might build a fire
the flames will soon burn low.
When I was young and healthy
this is something I didn't know.
Now the cold air finds me
and it permeates my bones.
The truth's there to remind me,
that we all pass on alone.

November 3, 2022

Baltimore Zoo Pennguin House
January 1990
Photo by Sue.