The Magic Line

     I posted this one before, but, every once in a while, the reality of this poem comes to the fore, and I wonder, “hey,if my mind doesn’t think old, why can’t I get up, from any position without groaning, cursing, and holding on to something, and what happened to that young guy that could stay up all night partying, and still get up for work in the morning? Or, the sailor who traveled to far off places, and had a hell of a time doing it? And what about the young husband and father?” That was just Yesterday, wasn’t it? No, it couldn’t have been, because yesterday, was the day I crossed…

The Magic Line

 I woke up one morning,

 and I was old.

 And, it came on me faster,

 than the common cold.

 One day, I was a young man,

 in my prime.

 The next, it seemed,

 I’d crossed, some magic line.

 

Now, when I look back,

 at the memories, that I hold,

 I can say, that I never,

 killed or stole.

 But, a few times I’ll admit,

 my pride, I sold.

 And that’s a fact,

 that leaves me, feeling cold.

 

 Oh, I’ve had me some times,

 both good and bad.

 I’ve got the scars to show,

 for all, the times I had.

 But, isn’t that,

 what livings all about?

 Make sure, that there’s a mark,

 when you check out.

 

 But, before I die,

 and leave this world behind,

 I still, have got some living,

 on my mind.

 And, though my face be wrinkled,

 and it’s lined,

 if you see me, on the street,

 now, treat me kind.

 

 For where, you’re standing now,

 I walked that ground.

And where I be,

 your time, will come around.

 And I would hate to be,

 your regretful memory,

 so, take this advice,

 and know it’s sound.

 

 If, your pride is all you have,

 you’ve done okay.

 And, when your life is through,

 you’ve had your say,

 then, you’ll have been a man,

 of wealth and worth.

 And left your mark,

 that you, were here on earth.

 

 Yes, you’ll wake up, one morning,

 and you’ll be old.

 Yes, it’ll come on faster,

 than your common cold.

 One day, you’ll be a young man,

 in your prime,

 and the next, it seems you’ve crossed,

 that magic line.

 

  Jack Downing

Mar. 2011