One of these days I will grow old
But that day doesn’t have to be soon
Society tells us we must grow old, gray, and useless
But I plan to be singing to a different tune
And I hope and pray that when that day comes
That my most important work will be complete and done
And I won’t be afraid and trying to relive my youth
Instead of dragging my feet, I’ll race toward the sun
The sunset of my life will be joyous
The sunset of my life will be glorious indeed
From the mundane, unimportant, unspiritual ties
I plan to be detached and freed
I’m eating healthier and exercising more
I’m keeping my mind stimulated so it can do what it was created for
I’m not rolling over and letting the aches and pains take over
I’m singing to a different tune these days
I have to let go of familiar foods, customs, and beliefs
I have to consciously choose life and change many of my old ways
Maturing in age is not synonymous to growing old
Or with atrophying, growing weaker and having low energy
This body was designed to live long and help us prosper
But we changed how we thought about our mind and body
Our minds can create the reality we wish to have
Our bodies are temples, powerful beyond compare
There’s so much we can do to preserve them both
But first we must care, then learn and become aware
You must eat right by choosing live whole foods
You must drink plenty of water and get enough sleep
You must exercise and stretch your body and mind
And beware of the company you keep
Because before you can grow old in your body
You must grow old first in your mind
Choose friends carefully because their words have influence
Thoughts multiply and generate more of their kind
One of these days I will mature in age
But I plan to continue to grow wiser each day
By avoiding dead processed foods, caffeine, and drugs
And to listen to what my body has to say
If my body and mind need rest I’ll give it
If it needs raw fresh foods and vitamins I will comply
So that I will be able to live fully up and until
The day that my spirit breaks free and my body dies
I plan to run toward the sunset
And not drag a poor diseased body in tow
I plan to run toward the sunset
And be happy when it’s my time to go
(c) 2007-2010, Original Poetry of Barbara S. Talley (The Poet Speaks)- All Rights Reserved
From the 2010 Book Release, ‘Cheer-Up’- Poetry to Get You Back on Track