Thus Fades Youth

 Ancient histories of pain
Inked into the fabric of his heart;
Long forgotten happinesses
Remembered in the laugh lines of his face.

While his eyes crinkle in merriment,
His lips downturn in lamentation;
Centuries of treasured romance and revelry
Muddied by an addled mind and ailing body.

Thus fades the bliss of youth,
Full of wonder and adventure;
Lost to the cruelty of age,
A stooped man on weary bones.