32 lines for NaPoWriMo # 23

From RLB

Well, today's prompt is sympathetic of the fact that time continues its march and that things continue to change and stay the same all at once. Today's prompt is to write about getting older.



Standing in front of the Mirror

It starts with the music you listen to,
stopping the influx of anything new
after you have passed your 23rd year---
everything sounding too loud, disingenuous,
or just plain stupid. After, you start
tuning into watch the 6 o'clock news
once in a while, catching up
on the latest primary or rising gas prices.

Soon you are shopping for clothes
that will impress the boss, let it be known
your star is on the rise. You've got
places to go, no time to stop for idle talk.
Double knotting your shoes comes later,
when you are teaching your child
how o be safe, look both ways, and be wary
of strangers in public and private places.

The car which fueled your youth is no longer
out of reach, but young girls would giggle
to see you in mid-life crisis. Instead
you settle for the domestic minivan
with 30mpg/hwy, power doors and mp3
you will take the life of your loan to learn.
At least you can still get away with the lie
about a naturally receded hair line one more year.

40 is the new 30. No, it's true, you hope.
A few gray hairs look good on you. Honest.
Retirement planning in this market is a type of risk.
Student loans are almost a thing of the past.
If you've got your health, you've got everything.
You're not as old as your parents, thank god.
Youth is a fine trade off for the wisdom of age.
At least you've always got the good old days.