Youth and Beauty

Youth and Beauty


Youth and beauty, so ephemeral,
So transient and satisfying.
Like kittens or puppies the young bask
In perfection and naivete.

The future rosy, full of promise,
A whole lifetime to work out details.
A lifetime to gather memories,
To face rejection, defeat and death.

They flaunt their admirable assets,
Long shapely legs in stilletto heels,
Short tight dresses that swing when they walk
And practice smiles which promise so much.

I look at the young and I admire,
The perfect skin the upturned breasts.
It brings back the nostalgia of youth;
Full of piss, vinegar and desire.

Age brings the future into focus.
No longer so rosy, no promise.
Retirement is now in question.
I'll work until I'm laid to rest.