Of An Age

John: vocal & guitar
Bryn Davies: bass

I am of an age
When tomorrow is not promised
Each day is taken as a gift
And I raise a prayer of thanks
When I take a good long ****
Sleep uninterrupted
In a bed or in a chair
When my glasses are exactly
Where I left them there

I am of an age
I fall in love more easily
Than I did at first
With babies and with old dogs
With the outcast and the cursed
When I forget what I remembered
That made me mad and haunted
And kept the promised joy at bay
From all I claimed I wanted

I am of an age
When I have seen myself
At my best and at my worst
I have had enough good whiskey
I no longer know the thirst
When I can speak of God
Without embarrassment or worry
I know the time is short
But I nonetheless won’t hurry

I am of an age
I too often say “I love you”
I can cry without regret
When boots that fit still matter
And somethings I will forget
When boots that fit still matter
And memory is long
When dancing is familiar
And I still break out in song

I am of an age
I am humbled by my ignorance
And wisdom is a crown
And I will reach for Carmen’s hand
As day is dying down
There are books I’ll never read
And songs I’ll leave unwritten
And in death, as in this life
Still by wonder I’ll be smitten

I am of an age
I know there’ll come a time
When my voice will not be heard
So I savor every melody
And am careful with each word
I will leave this work to others
And forgive their youthful faults
And take my place among the world
Of memory and thoughts

I am of an age

May 30, 2012
Avondale Estates, GA

©2012 John McCutcheon/Appalsongs (ASCAP)