I DEFINITELY ENJOYED THE MARVELOUS STYLE AND RHYME SCHEME HERE BUT, OF COURSE, I DISAGREE WITH THE LAST LINE...IN THAT, IF IT IS TRUE, FOR ANYONE, THEN THEY ARE IN A VERY SAD STATE. FOR AGE...IS A GIFT WHERE WE ENTER THE HALLS OF WISDOM, LOOKING INTO MIRRORS, BOLDLY, ABLE TO ADMIT WHEN WE'VE BEEN RIGHT AND WHEN WE'VE BEEN WRONG. AGE IS ACCEPTING OUR STRENGTH AND WEAKNESSES, LEAVING BEHIND THE IMPORTANCE OF PLEASING THE WORLD BUT REACHING TO PLEASE THE 'ONE' TO WHOM WE REALLY BELONG...'AGE' IS A GIFT THAT GIVES US THE ANSWER TO THAT 'AGE OLD; QUESTION; WHY AM I HERE? 'AGE' NOT ONLY TELLS US WHO WE ARE BUT...'WHOSE' WE ARE. THANKS FOR SHARING, JOHN...LOVE, BLESSINGS AND FAITH...JOYCE * HIS INSPIRATIONS

The chronicle age verses the biological age can be an interesting comparison, depending on the genetics. But in both cases, time is the constant factor, for, as you point out in your poem, telltale signs of aging are obvious, but the wisdom and youthful zest for life remains the province of the eyes, and as such, "the light of the eye" can be bright, or dull, as in retirement. For some of us, retirement is the death knell of existence. At 82, still putting in 45 hours a week in a wonderfully rewarding job as editor and proofer for an audio book company. Add to that the youthful exuberance my wife, Danae,gives me (a 14 year relationship) that's pure happiness. Coupled with my writing 3 hours a day, and life just keeps getting better... even though the dastardly lines and gravity problems persist. Wow, I did go on, didn't I. Your poem struck a chord.

True, seems age for me brings back memories of childhood days leaving me dazed & confused...:) -e-

I am 83 and I thought your poem was so beautiful and right on target. Although, very young at heart, having just lost my husband of 53 years I suddenly feel very vulnerable.

I find it amazing how age affects each person so differently. Age can diffidently affect us. While some age badly, others get better. My dad always maintained a youthful look, While my mom looked much older than she was. Quite often, when they would go out, much to my mom's dismay, someone would refer to her as my dad's mother instead of his wife.

Yes, because when we age, we always still seem to stay the same person and feel the same. Identity is not inherent to age. Self-confidence can be, along with all the things we have to learn in life. Along the way we get better at those.

You are a very depressing old man. You need to take some cheering up lesson. My 82 year-old friend is so much more lively than you are. My friend fascinates me because he talks like a young man, and he is so socially active with politicians and knows so much about life, but he doesn't talk like a depressive person like you do. You need to go out and be active rather than to just sit and moan about being old and sad. My 82 year-old friend never thinks of himself as an old man. He thinks young!!! Well, we're just friends, not in a relationship, but he fascinates me with the way he thinks and talks.

Sandie