When I was 19… (was it a very good year?)

When I was 19:
I was immortal. I knew everything. I was young and foolish.

When I was 29:
I had the world on a string, or so I thought. I was immortal. Young and foolish.

When I was 39:
I had discovered a good reason to settle down and not act so foolish, though I still was.

And now I’m 49:
My knees hurt. I can’t see as well as I used to (get a load of that one. I was born half-blind!). If I don’t get my 8 hours I need a nap (well, I need a nap anyway). I realize I’m mortal. Even though I know so much more than I did when I was 19, or 29, or even 39, I realize I really don’t know much at all. I’m foolish, I know it, and I hope that is what will eventually bring wisdom.

I have people in my life that I love and love me back, the respect of my peers (or so they tell me), and I am able to pursue activities that I enjoy and that I fancy myself somewhat skilled.

And I have Chastise Man to help me tell it like it is.

Even if I could, I don’t think I’d take 39, 29, and most especially not 19 again. 

Let’s see if I am as sanguine next year when I turn 50.

Sing it Frank!  It Was A Very Good Year