I always thought growing older

meant growing wiser.

But today I have learned that by growing older,

my heart has grown smaller,

and my sins have grown larger.

I always thought that when I grew older

the sun would be brighter,

that the stars would be shinier.

But now I can’t help but wonder,

whether the world has grown colder

or my gaze has grown wearier.

I always imagined that as I grew older

that I would be bolder,

and people would be warmer.

But now my shoulders droop

from a weight that grows heavier,

and a truth that becomes louder.

I always thought growing older

meant life became more magical.

But now I know that instead

I have become more practical.