I wear my age like a badge of honor

And on some days I don’t

As I see myself the way I used to be

My desires mimic those of long ago

But my appearance tells me I must let go

Time and gravity has betrayed me

Too many experiences have dismayed me

Wishing I could throw them all away

And began again someday

I am young; I feel it to be true .

I only wish that the mirror

And those who only see my exterior

Believed it too

The young beautiful people I see

I often think that should be me

I feel like them

Why then can’t I have the same freedom, the same optimism?

But that has gone by with the years

Leaving me to live the rest of my days

Wishing that I were younger.

Wishing these wrinkles would disappear.

Wishing my skin would tighten.

Wishing the scars that living has given me

Would take flight, would leave me.

To the youthful persona that beckons me.

Each time I see a young girl smile or giggle or desire

Makes me wish that I were not that which I am.