Don't Grow Too Old

Don't ever grow too old for birthdays,
Fun-things that you used to do,
Don't give up your dreams because you
Feel that they have not come true.
Don't forget the sound of laughter,
Or the love in someone's eyes,
Don't trade memories for pleasures,
All that in a moment dies.

Don't give up your zest for living,
Saying you are much too old,
Is this what you feel, or is it
Something that you have been told?
There's a valley deep within us,
Where there is an eternal Spring,
Where there is no sound of sorrow,
And the birds forever sing.

Though your gait is not as steady now,
As once it used to be,
And your vision's clouding over things
You used to clearly see,
Do not let the weight of decades,
Turn you into bitter gall,
For with age there comes a wisdom,
That is a blessing to us all.

Hold your years up like a banner,
Wave it brightly in the sun,
When folks tell you life is over,
Tell them it has just begun.
Loneliness can never touch you,
If you won't allow it to,
And in sharing love with others,
... God will give it back to you.

[ Author Unknown -- from Stan ]