Forgive Me If I'M Not 19 Poem by JAMES T. ADAIR

Forgive me if I'm not 19
though I promise I once was
able to jump over picnic tables
and mailboxes, just because

I used to dream of love
like I still do now
but I used to dream of love making
though I was just learning how

I'd look forward to little things
like spitting wood and stacking it
and working on my car
skiing, fishing, motorcycling
and strumming my guitar

And if there was a frozen lake
I'd surly grab a pair of skates
I can still feel the cool winter air
rushing against my smooth boyish face

But now I'm removed from youth
though my heart is still the same
and somehow long more and more
for love that's true and not just a game

I never wanted money I never wanted fame
just to be in love and peace and harmony
with a girl who took to heart my name
and who would shield me from hurt and pain

There is little difference between a man
and the boy he used to be
his heart is still the same
at least the same one inside of me

And if you could remove the boy
I promise there wouldn't be much left
If the boy inside the man is parted
it surly would mean death

So if you love a man
love him for his heart
treasure it just like a piece of art
because its really the best part

Forgive me if I'm not 19
I promise I once was
I kept that dream of love
just because

© James T. Adair