It was the question that twelve guys sitting in my living room this morning had already shared feelings about the previous week. So imagine my surprise when Abigail “Dear Abby” Van Buren showed up (at least her column did), escorted in by the group’s retired history professor. (I find it amazing what old retired professors read!)

And imagine my even greater surprise when “Abby” introduced Jason Lehman, a 14-year-old poet from New Haven, Connecticut, whose authentic authorship she had personally verified, and proceeded to share this young poet’s work with us, a work wise beyond his years; something he calls “Present Tense.”

 

It was spring,

But it was summer I wanted,

The warm days,

And the great outdoors.

It was summer,

But it was fall I wanted,

The colorful leaves,

And the cool, dry air.

It was fall,

But it was winter I wanted,

The beautiful snow,

And the joy of the holiday season.

It was winter,

But it was spring I wanted,

The warmth,

And the blossoming of nature.

I was a child,

But it was adulthood I wanted,

The freedom,

And the respect.

I was 20,

But it was 30 I wanted,

To be mature,

And sophisticated.

I was middle-aged,

But it was 20 I wanted,

The youth,

And the free spirit.

I was retired,

But it was middle age I wanted,

The presence of mind,

Without limitations.

My life was over.

But I never got what I wanted.

Now ask yourself ‘The Question’ again. “What do YOU fear about growing old?”

It is chilly here in the Great Northwest today, but my day is sunny and has been made more beautiful by a 14-year-old named Jason, who lives in Connecticut, separated from me by thousands of miles and 66 years.

I hope we get to meet someday, Jason. I think we would like one another.

Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. ~ 1 Timothy 4:12