I used to walk and run and jump,
As a child when young and nimble.
But now I’m an immobile lump,
Old age, of its worst a symbol.

Where did my ability to with life engage,
And youths' freedoms so quick go?
Why succumb so soon to age,
When did my past strength up and go?

For, now I’m again dependent,
As when young and yet unable.
When to mobility was ascendant,
Ever more with each day stable.

Now life and I have disengaged,
Dispatched down a siding track.
Against the dying light hopeless raged,
And never can I now go back

No more will I run, enjoy being free,
As I did and was when small.
For this is how it's going to be,
Nothing lost can I recall.

The Sphinx was right, her travellers’ test,
As evening's three legs she reveals.
But failed to include the riddles next quest,
What at nighttime walks on wheels?