The Hands of Time

I look in the mirror
And see the unmistakable signs of my aging
A wrinkle here and a line there
Where none had been yesterday
Or was it last year?

My skin is blotchy where once it was clear
My pitiful breasts sag now
They used to be so firm
Could it be the children's fault?

Thighs that were once slim and attractive
Are now lumpy with cellulite
My hips have gone the way of the sun –
From the east to the west

After years of denial, I must finally face the truth:
I have inherited my mother's body
I was warned this would happen
But I just didn't want to listen

Is it too late to start exercising
And drinking gallons of water each day?
Can I still save my twenty-eight year old face
With cleansers, toners, and moisturizers?

Would a breast implant improve my bosom?
Can these thighs recover with liposuction?
Perhaps I am unjustly concerned
Or possibly too self-conscious

I know that I could be healthier
And I absolutely should be, too
But I'll never turn back the hands of time
I'll just age as gracefully as I can manage


Copyright © 1996