As I've grown older, I have steadily woken,
Life revealing ever more secrets to me.
Not only of itself has it increasingly spoken,
But of myself has allowed much more to see.

Many things about me that I never quite knew,
Motivations and moods, nascent skills.
Only being apparent as years older grew,
And as experience with perspective life fills.

The sprinter of youth got me here, up to speed,
Now I'm coasting, enjoying its race.
As if it's acceleration, I no longer now need,
And I've reached my planned pinnacle pace.

All seems much clearer than ever I recall,
When looking both back and ahead.
Never do I fret in the same way at all,
As to a quieter sea of later life am led.

The world and my place seem far better defined,
Make a sense only slowly revealed.
Everything now feels much more better aligned,
As if life's previous outlook repealed.

It's perhaps hard when young, to imagine a time,
Especially when advanced in years.
That wellbeing can improve as a part of the climb,
Where above stubborn cloud, sun appears.

So enlightened, I've been given the chance not before,
To enjoy all the fruits of my days.
Both mentally as well as to physically explore,
Now, in multidimensional ways.

Though death is much closer, and illness may stalk,
Later life can bring comforting calm.
In spite of its run, in time slowing to a walk.
Age tries deliver a benevolent balm.

I'm aware that this isn't the reward due for some,
Where there's too soon a rapid decline.
Hopefully to this fate, most will never succumb,
And good health will their later life define.

So look forward to if possible, the progress of age,
Though there are things you'll be no doubt forsaking.
For there are benefits awaiting the life-informed sage,
And sleeping joys for later life, their awaking.