The sprit is young and fiery,
Even as the years steadily mount.
The body ages, yet the soul thrives.
A paradox unresolved,

Even as the form becomes fragile.
Eyes flash like a beacon,
The voice flows like a mountain stream,
Creating a new path
As the banks begin to wear,

Aging is living, a gift of nature,
Experiences lived, loves lost, pain suffered
Rounds the individual to maturity;
Better to be older and smarter than younger and foolish.

As outward appearances diminish,
Inner strength grows,
Life's experience is the ultimate teacher,
A person well taught has the wisdom of years,

Fret not; the essence lives,
As the body fades, the heart warms,
The intellect ever awake and demanding,
With each passing day, we stay younger inside.

06/22/2004