All my life

If age is measured not in years,
But in regrets,
Then I have been old all my life.

If age is measured by responsibility,
And growing old means growing weary,
Then I have been old all my life.

If age is measured in wisdom,
Perhaps I once was old,
But I grow younger.
Though bitter experience teaches me new wisdom,
I seem to always find new folly.
At best I maintain an equilibrium.

If age is measured in decay and loss,
Then I have been old all my life.

If age is measured
By love unexpressed, unbelieved, unrequited
Then I am ancient beyond all tally,
And dead twice over.

If age is measured in anything that matters,
I have been old all my life.