Embracing Age: Transforming Our Perspective

I pause

to consider what is the best strategy.

Do I jump in and submerge fully?

Or, just a dip of a toe to test the temperature?

I hold my breath.

What is the fountain truly offering and

what is the price I am going to pay?

What will I gain and what will be washed away?

Who am I doing this for?

Is it just to be seen?

What about the years of wisdom and experience,

will it all be wiped away, washed clean?

I exhale and release and relax.

I like who I am with the layers of grit,

earned and carried and collected...

I am toughened with it

and my edges softened by it.

I turn my back on the fountain and its promises

and confidently stroll away and resist the urge

to assess the changes made and those yet to come.

Fountain of Youth

October 20, 2025

From "300 Prompts for Writing"

Thank you for reading and considering these musings...

  To consider: what part of your youth are you ready to shed; an attitude, belief, hairstyle, clothing?

Feel free to leave a comment at happyarethefeet@gmail.com or post your answer at barefoot_theology on Instagram #contemplativepoetry #maturity #aging