Once upon a time, youth held me true
Teasing my dad (did you do that too?)
I’d point, “Dad, that grey in your beard is telling on you!
I feel sad you’re so old
Your best years a memory
Dad, don’t you long to be ME
Fit, fine, and willowy?”
I’ve never forgotten my father’s retort
The memory resounds
With fatherly patience, eyes downcast,
Dad quietly responds
“Daughter, if the earth below you keeps rounding the sun
If the air through your nose keeps expanding your lungs
Then some youngster will tease YOU as YOUR knees creak
And you can answer yourself, that question so deep!”