Aging: Nu?

As years advance
Denial works less well.
Things unthought of
Begin to go awry
While things always evident
Continue to be
Taken for granted.

Perpetual adolescence
No longer holds up
As a categorical
Excuse
For ill-timed or
Ill-conceived
Words and behaviors.

The doctors have gotten so young
Along with the police-
And our children approach
Middle Age.
What does that say
About us?
We are young no more.

Forever young-
Great song lyric
But misleading
Expectation.
The new clothing
Doesn't flatter
But can be worn
With dignity.

Our once friend
Denial
Leaves us only
Cold and naked
In the tempest
Of years passing
Ever more quickly.

Rage though we might,
The end is certain.
Until the door closes
We can still
Walk on.