Exceptional Changes in growing old Old-Age Charade by Verna Cole Mitchell What Think You of Aging writing prompt entry Artwork by flip70 at FanArtReview.com

If I am only ten years old, When did I get so tall, And why do I walk now with care, For fear that I may fall? It seems I might hear Mama call, "It's time to come to dinner," Or play a game of tag with friends Where I could be the winner. I'd like to run and skip and jump And dance and shout with glee, Or else to fly on roller skates And climb the tall oak tree But now I've wrinkles grooved upon My cheeks, once smooth and clear, And now when people talk to me, Sometimes I cannot hear. And though I do not see as well As I did way back when, I know the Lord is with me yet As He has always been I wouldn't give up being Mom Or Grandma, either one, But I'd trade off my aching back For little children's fun. I might be a participant In Growing-Old's parade, But in my heart of hearts, I know That's only a charade. The truth I am compelled to tell That cannot be denied: No matter how I look or feel, I'm still just ten inside. Writing Prompt The topic for this poetry contest is: What Think You of Aging Write a poem that somehow incorporates the topic. The poem does not have to be specifically about the topic and creative approaches are welcomed. But contest voters will be asked to consider the topic when making a choice for a winner. Recognized

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