It is with great pleasure and thanks that we present a poem by Carrie Giffoni. It is a poignant message to the next generation that how we live our lives has consequences.
The Face of Youth
By Carrie Giffoni October 17, 2011
I look through old pictures…Ah…youth is divine!
Skin that is flawless, eyes that sparkle and shine.
What happened to the face of “not so long ago”?
It was youthful… seemed ageless and had such a glow.
I look in the mirror and what do I see?
A face so much older…a stranger to me.
Could yesterday’s face look better right now?
If I’d changed my lifestyle, back then, somehow.
Did I smoke, or drink…did I do that and more;
Ingest many toxins that rotted my core?
Did I stress over things that I should have let go
That caused these wrinkles to flourish and grow?
Did I hold any heartache or hatred inside?
When confronted with conflicts, did I run and hide?
Did I love in all the ways, I felt that I “should”?
Did I dabble in evil or more in what’s good?
When I saw someone wronged, did I stand up for right?
Did I get enough sleep, or did I party most nights?
Age catches up no matter what, come what may…
But we hasten its pace by what we think, do and say.
So, take heed young people while you’re still in your prime!
To neglect mind and body is an unforgivable crime!
Think hard before you “do” and mind what you “say”.
Care for mind, body, and spirit or you’ll surely pay.
With premature aging you unknowingly selected
That confronts you in the mirror when least expected.
***