This Human Race by Thomas K. HuntWe're all thrown into this human race
We all race it at our own pace
We all participate in our different ways
We're all in it until our dying day
I know for certain you just turn around,
Blink your eyes and something goes down
You're still allowed to ask for more
You're still allowed to choose any door
I'm finally here; I made it
It seems in the blink of an eye
Life has filled up all of my time
Here's a heads up in this rhyme of mine
I can't lift up my right leg
But my left leg works just fine
My right side's really torn up
I use my left now all the time
From my head down to my toenails
There's no balance between the rails
I can always count on my left
My right side always fails
Now the pain in my back doesn't take sides
I have a slight little limp that I can't hide
I've always known my left from my right
I know, look at me, I'm a dreadful sight
This isn't exactly what I had planned
At least for now, I can still stand
I was equally strong on my left and right
Something went wrong, and here I am tonight
Excuse me while I move around in this chair
I'm trying to find the right spot over here or over there
I'm running out of comfortable positions
Believe me; it's a mission
I've never been one to complain
Don't get me started when it starts to rain
It's no myth; it's not a lie
Old age happens in the blink of an eye
I never thought that I was old enough
I always thought I had plenty of time
I blinked my eyes and turned to rust
This is real; it's not just in my mind
Don't get me wrong; I knew it would happen
It was all a matter of time
I may walk with a limp, but I'm no gimp
I have the right frame of mind
I can still party with the best
I just need a little longer rest
I stood tall and strong in my younger days
The ages of our time takes that all away
You're never too old, now that's a laugh
I only take showers; I can't get out of the bath
My hairline is receding and it's coming out of my ears
I didn't think this would happen for a few more years
There's nothing I can do but smile and greet the day
Hang on to my left side while my right gives way
I'd pinch myself, but I bruise to the touch
I miss my youth
I miss it so much
I closed my eyes and glanced at my past
It just flew in and out too damn fast
I looked at my reflection and all I could see
Was this old grey-haired man looking back at me
I know for certain you just turn around
blink your eyes and it can turn upside down
You realize it isn't what it used to be
You'll find out just like me
I blinked my eyes, and it happened so fast
Proving the point we're not made to last
Take your time, go on and stretch it out
By now, you know what it's all about
Love one another, love your life
Be safe and warm, free from strife
Laugh every day, put a smile on a face
Win, place, or show in this human race
12/09/2018 Author's Note: Lyric
Posted on 12/09/2018 Copyright © 2025 Thomas K. Hunt
Member Comments on this Poem |
Posted by Chris Sorrenti on 12/09/18 at 09:22 AM Captivating commentary and self deprecating look, Thomas, at growing old from your own unique perspective. At 61, I can certainly to some of it in my own way. Kudos! |
Posted by Chris Sorrenti on 12/09/18 at 09:25 AM Sorry, that should be I can certainly 'relate' to some of it. |
Posted by Glenn Currier on 12/09/18 at 01:18 PM Thomas, I sure wish I could write music and compose a tune for I could sing this one or individual stanzas every day. I chuckled several times because you hit so close to home in all of this. I like the way you fool with rhymes and don't make them your master. You seem to have an ease and fluency in them. I especially like the phrase "in the blink of an eye." For that is the very way it feels to me. I was hoping I had a few more years before I started walking with a limp, had such difficulty rising from a seated position. So your poem is very therapeutic in many ways. I've never had so much fun - with your poem - reflecting on this right side left side thing and all the rest. Then I thought about how those two sides are also a metaphor for my political and cultural stances. So much here, buddy, thanks a million. Wonderful piece! |
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