The Pains And Banes Of Growing Old Poem by Kathleen Reguindin

Over time, bodies grow flabbier and weaker
Bones thin out and crack, falling down could be a disaster
Liver spots, sight going, pot bellies, loss of hearing
Teeth have fallen, replaced by dentures, no more joy in eating
Brain gets messed up and memories go
Oftentimes, repeating what was said a minute ago.

Hair has gone grey and thin, hair colouring a lost battle.
Wrinkles on the face just appear from nowhere!
In youth, some body parts were perky or aloft
In old age, they just no longer are
The force of gravity has won, the new master!

When once we were able-bodied, capable and independent
Old age has brought us down, befallen by ailments
The list of diseases, through the years, got longer.

It all goes back to the lifestyles we had when we were younger.
Partying, drinking, overeating, smoking – everything excessive
Now beset with diabetes, high cholesterol - maybe preventable
Had we known then what we know now
Will that have changed our perspective?
Healthier lifestyles we'd have lived?