Gracefully

When I was eight,  I couldn't wait to be ten.  
A double-digit number seemed so big back then.
I would be so tall and older too,
just think of all the things I could do!
I could stay up late and watch T.V. until nine,
and being in the fifth grade sure would be fine.

When I was eighteen, I couldn't wait to be twenty.
No longer a teen, now I'd be somebody.
I could find a bride and settle down,
she would look so lovely in her wedding gown.
I could get a real job and make money by the ton,
being in college just wasn't fun.

When I was twenty-eight, I couldn't wait to be thirty.
It sounded so fun to be "dirty thirty".
I could have a Son or maybe two,
they would grow up like me and be successful too.
I would get promoted with a big pay raise,
and my friends and family would shower me with praise.

When I was thirty-eight, I couldn't wait to be forty.
I was still in great shape and not at all portly.
The prime of my life, I'd be a success,
when it comes to my career, I'd be the best!
I've accomplished so much and there's still a lot to do,
I'd reach the top of the mountain before I was through.

When I was forty-eight, I couldn't wait to be Fifty.
My fortune is made and with money I'm thrifty.
I own my world and all that I see,
My family and friends are so proud of me.
My Sons have grown and moved away,
they too will be better off someday.

When I was fifty-eight, I couldn't wait to be sixty.
I'd retire soon, and it wouldn't be so tricky.
I'd spend my time with friends and cheer,
playing golf and drinking beer.
My Wife and I would travel west,
My golden years would be the best.

When I was sixty-eight, I couldn't wait to be seventy.
Looking back on it all, I've certainly had plenty.
I may be older, but I'm not done,
My oldest child has his own Son.
My Grandson has grown but what do I see,
When I look in his eyes, what I see is me.

Now that I'm older it's sad to say,
I've done nothing but wish my life away.
In search of tomorrow I threw out today,
I sped through my life now I'm tired and gray.
My quest for what's next was never to be,
in my rush to be better I forgot to be me.

To do it all over again, I would.
I'd live each day the best I could.
Never wish for the future and throw away,
The gift of life that is today.
It's only a number, but what is real,
you're truly only as old as you feel.