First, I lost my wisdom teeth,
Thought that quite unfair.
Found I still could eat my lunch,
Guess I’d teeth to spare.

Next, my hair abandoned me,
Left me in despair,
Showed my head no loyalty,
Now my dome is bare.

Then, my waist expanded,
Or, perhaps, my belt had shrunk?
My pants joined the rebellion.
My resistance soon was sunk.

Quickly was the victory spread,
My few loyal hairs turned grey.
Restful sleep departed
As my bladder joined the fray.

Rising from a comfy chair
Became Olympic sport.
Sorry, I forgot your name,
My memory now is short.

My face tried to slide off my skull,
My chins applied the brakes.
Relief is mapped upon my face
In contours, roads, and lakes.

Where all this is headed,
I’m afraid I could not say.
So, I’ll get on with living,
Won’t let age get in my way!

Stephen Tomkins
Airborne (as a passenger) between Singapore and Sydney
16 August 2025