Sitting on a roundabout
On a playground
I’m enjoying the morning shadow
Of a not yet hot late Summer day
When I hear noices in my back
From the trampoline
I used myself before —

It’s fun, you know
It’s not made for children
It’s made for all beings
Who like to have fun
Or enjoy some minutes of life
When otherwise
Their existence isn’t much fun at all —

As I turn
I see an old man
Placing his bag next to the bouncy mattress
He seem to collect himself
Looking highly concentrated
Climbing onto the rubber
On the edge
So it won’t throw him too high —

Then he starts jumping
        pop, pop, pop
I’m looking at him just briefly
Then looking away
I don’t want to stare —

But then I’m turning around again
When the popping sound stopped —

He’s saying
        Fifty
                forming a fist
                        pointing towards the sky
Done it again!
        Another day successful
I’m ninety
        he’s declaring —

I’m looking impressed
        and meaning it —

I did one-hundred
        until a few years ago
                but now, fifty is enough
                        at my age —

I’m nodding
Telling him
        I’m impressed —

Before he left again
After the brief encounter
He said
        Stay healthy —

Because he knows
Health is the most important thing in life
Not just in his age.

        © Dominik Alexander / 2023
        © Cdd20 (image)

I know, there is already a musical piece called “Forever Young” by Alphaville from 1984; but the title was already written, it’s also fitting and since I’m not that good with titles and headlines, I kept the title and went for this very mention with the link to the song. Enjoy!