I’m getting older, and it scares me

I had a dream, a 99-year-old I was
Deaf and blind, and in diapers
On a wheelchair, sh***ing on myself
Counting days, to my death penal
Should it come sooner, I pray
It will be a relieve, old age sucks
I’m getting older, and it scares me

My dream cut short, by sun rays
Gazing through, my bedroom window
Beckoning me, arise and shine
For this is a new day, a new birthday
More adventures await, to explore
I’m old enough to drink, and to drive
I’m getting older, and it scares me

In my entire life, though short
I’ve cried and laughed, and loved
I’ve trusted and betrayed, and hated
I’ve tried and failed, and succeeded
I’ve grown and blossomed, and wilted
I can almost say, I’m not perfect
I’m getting older, and it scares me

That scar on my forehead, my waist
On my legs, and on my hands too
Sums up my entire life, one long gone
From fighting and playing, even travels
To seeking leisures, and adventures
To laying in the sun, and falling in love
I’m getting older, and it scares me

My father doubts it, my mother too
But I have made mistakes, and learnt
Once a grimy child, scathed and giggled
Stumbled, but found my footing
Fell more often, but rose up
Dirtied my chin, and dusted off
I’m getting older, and it scares me

I’m a man now, mature and decisive
Independent, hardworking and resilient
Like a tree, on and off seasons
Day in and day out, by year
I have bloomed, and thrilled
A story told, a life lived
I’m getting older, and it scares me

I still hate chores, lazy isn’t it
Love watching movies, and music
Going out, and socializing
Playing in ditches, messing up
Often losing my balance, and wits
Fumbling, tripping and cursing
I’m getting older, and it scares me

I still sleep late, so late in the night
Way past midnight, just before dawn
Talking in my sleep, with starry eyes
With silly dreams, often fantasies
For 365 nights, year in and out
Waking up a year later, to a new birthday
I’m getting older, and it scares me

My passion for life, still lingers on
And that of learning, and travelling
Not forgetting, of my family and friends
And that of love, dreams and prosperity
More or less, to be significant
With a purpose, an agenda and course
I’m getting older, and it scares me

A grey hair sprouting, in my beard
Reminds me, am living on borrowed time
This particular life, is a death sentence
The blinding light, firmly glares
The end of the tunnel, is very near
This whole world, just seems to pass by
I’m getting older, and it scares me

Age is just a number, so they say
I’ve lived a few years, more yet to come
With spring ahead, I feel whole again
Rejuvenated, with urge and spirit
Should I stop this train, and get off
Yet I have more, to do and live for
I’m getting older, and it scares me

Today is my day, my born day
Yours will come, all of you
Until we go flat, we’re together
No matter the age, race or religion
Our struggles, joys and laughs
In this rock, we’re a one big family
I’m getting older, and it scares me

Our ages may not rhyme, young or old
We’re products of love, beautiful and cuddly
Let’s not undermine, our very importance
Let’s not forget, who we are in particular
Or even forget, where we came from
Least we lose, hope and our backbones
I’m getting older, and it scares me

Should I go crazy, with dementia of old
Act out of place, bend or fold or wither
Remember, those good old days
Those in which, I made you laugh
Should my jokes get naff, forgive my age
This old man, has seen and lived it all
I’m getting older, and it scares me