Age wrote wisdom on the bone
Lines grew soft like well-worn stone
Yet inside a spark remained
Youth in marrow unrestrained
Feet still tapped at silly songs
Imagination righted wrongs
Eyes still gleamed at hidden trails
Dreams still whispered fearless tales
Adulthood bowed to inner play
Seriousness forgot its say
Joy did not request permission—
Heart kept childhood on commission
Grow in insight age in grace
Never lose the shining face
Play is not a gift to youth—
Play protects the living truth