For Us With The Faded Genes Poem by Cynthia Buhain-baello

Are birthdays really happy
For us with the faded genes?
Calendars remind us daily-
Our time is short and lean.

The hair is losing color
While some may lose all of it,
Bones not strong as they were before
And sweets, we have to forfeit.

We learn to be keen on cholesterol
Be adept at counting blood sugar
Get rid of the fat, quit alcohol
We try walking, but can't go far.

We manage to deduct the years
As birthdays come to remind
We are getting plagued by aging fears
And Time we label... unkind.