As I grow old, I'll try to be
Still just as young as the child in me;
A little brave, a little shy,
With a curious mind still asking, "Why?"

That's the key to life's great door
To mystery and so much more;
May I be willing just to play,
To find some wonder every day;

When others tell me, "act your age,"
I'll run it past my youthful sage,
And take it as a compliment;
For surely that is what they meant;

Don't undermine the inner me,
Till you've spent time in her company;
While listening respectfully,
I'll offer my philosophy:

Be a little brave, a little bold,
Children still in heart and soul,
Keep treasuring the little things,
And cherish laughter with all it brings;
A precious tool to help us cope;
Chuckling bits of happy hope;

Let the little child in you
Pick up on my heart's happy cue,
To take a breath, enjoy the fun
Of dreams that still are left undone.
Edie Batstone