How We Age

We never know when we are young
Exactly how we’ll age.
So many unknown factors
All pitch in to set the stage.

Of course, we have our DNA,
A part of us since birth,
And then the way we live our lives
For all our years on earth.

The food we eat, the jobs we have,
Our exercise (or lack),
The stress we face and problems which
May veer us off the track.

The health-related issues
And the treatments they entail
May be tough enough that skin will sag
And wrinkles will prevail.

When school reunions happen
And we see each older face,
We might see pain and suffering
That make-up can’t erase.

Yet seeing others with their years
Of troubles on display
May fool us into being glad
That we don’t look that way.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Rigoler Avatar
September 27, 2023 at 6:55 AM
Some people age with remarkable consistency or with little disfigurement. Lucky them! On the whole, I'd say men age better than women and with less recourse to a plethora of masking enhancements. For me the worst part about ageing is loss of mental faculties and physical skills, both of which rob living of its once many joyful experiences. / Maurice
Brotherton Avatar
September 25, 2023 at 9:18 AM
If not for photos, I probably would not recognize my younger self if I met him on the street. Well penned, my friend. Have a good one.
Goyal Avatar
September 24, 2023 at 10:40 AM
I enjoyed reading this poem, age is a process that is feared by some, I like to think of it in a way to be able to look at someone and see how wise they are. Wonderful poem, and a very fun read. -AG
Allison Avatar
September 24, 2023 at 10:37 AM
It certainly can be a shock meeting up Ilene, those who were slim and svelte in their youth may have piled on the pounds and unless they have had plastics surgery we cannot stop the ravages of time on our bodies. Fab write as ever Ilene:-) hugs Jan xx
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace