Reflections of Youth

I watch them from afar as they play.
I listen to the words they say.

They laugh and love with such freedom.
Problems show no rhyme nor reason.

They look through eyes that see a land
Full of castles made out of sand.

Kings and Queens, dragons and fairys,
Not war and strife wrecked with worry.

Oh! to be the youth of the past,
To live the fantasy and make it last.

But alas, youth has passed away.
Reality is the house where I stay.

And though I mourn the youth I've lost,
I rejoice as I measure the cost.

I may be wrinkled, my hair may be gray.
But the life I have lead will be rewarded some day.