The marks of age surprise me even now,
when I’ve been senior over seven years.
I’m startled every time I meet with how
too readily I’m injured. Like my peers
I’m quick to bruise and slow to mend. My brow
is corrugated just as worry clears.
For lately though I shuffle, I am not
as nervous – I outgrew it, or forgot.

(Ottava Rima)