Now that I am older, I got lots of time to play,
I can potter in the garden or make a thing of clay.

When I was younger, 'time' - I never had,
With work, home and outings, sometimes I got mad.

Now that I am older, I am happy in one place,
Observing life of people or just gazing into space.

When I was younger, I travelled round the world,
I could not stop to rest, nor watch how life unfurled.

Now that I am older, contentment is about,
I am no longer searching, my mind is free from doubt.

When I was younger, my head was everywhere,
I desired much and wanted all, my heart was hard to bear.

Youth has its charm but it is incomplete,
Now that I am older, there is nothing that I need.

Written by Henriette, (2004)