Geezer
                   David Rumer

Pondering the days of my youth
Everthing was different then. . .
I faced each challenge with spirit,
Tried to be a man among men.

I can recall my chidhood well,
The good days I remember still.
Today I"m certain of those times
But, not  sure if I took a pill.

When was my daughter daddy's girl?
It's been so long since she was three.
Now, she has children of her own,
And comes around to check on me.

I look my grandson in the eye
Though he's no longer on my knee
He stands there straight and strong and tall,
Then, looking down, he smiles at me.

Dear friends are gone to their reward,
Who stood with me through thick and thin.
Weren't we just rising to the fight?
Did not the battle just begin?

Now, should the morrow bring Death's knell,
I'll know for whom the bell hath tolled.
Yesterday I was immortal;
Today I've suddenly grown old.

My sister responded to Geezer with this poem:
                   Who's Growing Old?
                           Bernadine Shotts

"I'm growing old" I heard you say.
NO!!!! this is yet another day
To hear the birds and see the flowers
And while away some happy hours
     A loved one by your side.

You speak of children, yours and theirs,
And times you shared, their joys and cares.
But don't forget, they shared them too.
Hold memories dear they shared with you.
     Remembering Dad with pride.

So never let me hear you say
"I'm growing old!" just take today
And cram it full of everything
Blue sky, warm breezes, birds that sing.
     OLD's just on the outside.