AARP & Me

I opened this months AARP

and I thought “My Goodness”

all those old people look like me.

Surely thought I, this was indeed some mistake

For growing old was always someone else’s fate.

There were photographs galore with dentured smiling faces.

There were ads everywhere selling adult diapers, and retirement places.

I had just picked up this magazine to pass a little time

And realized much to my chagrin that all those faces looked like mine.

I thought that I had on growing old had a mighty firm grip,

But after today I came to truly see, that I am on a sinking ship.

With the wind out of my sails and an engine that goes clinkety clunk

I have to face the truth that my ship is taking on water and just about sunk.

So if you ever pick up an AARP and see my smiling dentured face,

Then turn the page as quick as you can, because this old fart has lost the race.

 J. Allen Wilson © Nine 2006