Ode to My Younger Self

Young man so sweet and innocent

An ode to you, not a lament

You're hoping to look cool

Now that you're in high school

Want the right clothes and cool haircut

You look good so you have to strut

Cool pair of Nike shoes

With those looks you can't lose

See you at your first Homecoming dance

You feel so good, can't help but prance

Maroon sweater, gray slacks

Looking good to the max

Second year is even better

See the redhead, go and get her

Slip her hand into yours

Be a man and open doors

The sweetness of that first real kiss

Thundering crash, shiver of bliss

Can it be love I feel?

Perhaps this joy is real

Some close friends say, “Let's hit the town!”

Challenge us and we won't back down

We've got life by the tail

Knowing we'll never fail

The guys and me go for a cruise

Buying condoms we'll never use

Trying to make our play

Not quite sure what to say

Seeking girls to give us a chance

Always feeling firm in the pants

Most young men mean no harm

Teenage boys just have no charm

I can't wait for the junior prom

Conquer the night with great aplomb

Looking sharp in a tux

Glad that I spent the bucks

The evening goes on and on

Don't get home till the break of dawn

Man, I feel so alive

Won't take long to revive

Senior year is set in motion

Still haven't found a love potion

Take wild girl to first dance

Shocked she gave me a chance

Second dance dateless, I go stag

Looking handsome but I don't brag

Hanging out with a friend

Lonely heart, quick to mend

We might sneak a drink and a smoke

Or maybe we'll just have a Coke

Don't need drugs to feel good

A slow march to manhood

I don't care about Calvin Klein

Wearing my Levis feels just fine

Polo shirt, collar popped

Feeling good, can't be stopped

I soon become a conference champ

Much more than just a little scamp

Starting to be a man

It's time to make a plan

Graduation day, throw the cap

Now real life will give you a slap

Time yet to be carefree

Then off for a degree

Leave for higher education

Parents built a strong foundation

What will my future bring?

Sweetness but with a sting

Have to take some pain with the joy

Cannot remain the little boy

Take time to smell a rose

For tomorrow who knows

I was robust but now am frail

Feeling old, health begins to fail

Now you're long in the tooth

But don't forget your youth