Growing Older

Growing older takes all the time you've got

and yet without effort and despite all plans

you age.

At first you grow a little taller 

and then you get new teeth

and after that the teenage years are filled with joy and grief.

Soon you are a parent

and have many tasks and worries

and all at once your hair has turned to gray

and grandchildren are laughing at what you say.

Then the clock begins to melt

as if your life had happened

in a single day.