John Hamilton Poet Quatrain

When I Was Young

When I was young


When I was young... life was so carefree
my only worry was how to climb that tree
When I was young... I had so much energy
now I'm only half the man that I used to be.

When I was young... I never had any worries
and I actually looked forward to snow flurries
When I was young... love to me was just a game
a pretty face, romantic place, and forgot her name.

When I was young... foolishness was just plain fun
now I'm paying for my foolishness, and then some
When I was young... I had wings to fly
now I don't go out much don't ask why.

When I was young... I had visions of prosperity
money doesn't go that far today, my harsh reality
When I was young... I thought all things are possible
now I know how the system works and it's incorrigible.

When I was young... I thought I was superman
now I feel weak, but I do the best I can
When I was young...everything left me breathless
now each breath is less and less, and I'm close to death

When I was young...I was so struck with wonder
After living a full life  I'm left alone to wonder
When I was young...I couldn't wait to get old
now please close the window the draft is cold.

When I was young...I thought love was forever
innocence was great, love's memories I treasure
When I was young...the future was so bright
now I wear dark shades my eyes can't take the light.

When I was young...I thought I had many friends
but when tragedy strikes many friendships end
When I was young, money flowed just like water
now everything depends on my son and daughter.

When I was young...I lived with no regret
now I do everything twice I always forget
When I was young...I looked forward to each new day
now I wish my days would end, for this I pray.

When I was young...there was nothing I would not try
now I sit here waiting patiently, for my day to die.

John Derek Hamilton
March 30,2016

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Paul Callus April 8, 2016 at 11:22 AM A great way to compare then and now, John! Life is full of experiences; in the end we should be happy with what we achieved. ~ Regards // paul John Hamilton April 22, 2016 at 6:21 AM Thanks Paul, we should be happy, as you say, but for some it is not the reality, unfortunately. Thanks for your kind visit.

Cheryl Hoffman April 3, 2016 at 9:12 PM What I love about your poems is that they are so sincere and totally from the heart…another good one I might add! Its sad but true about aging... John Hamilton April 6, 2016 at 9:45 AM Thanks for your visits and comments.