What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up? Poem by Stanley Cooper

When I was a very very young pup
They’d ask, “What do you want to be when you grow up? ”
My answers were happy and fanciful, as I was disposed
To believe I could be anything my mind could suppose

Fantasy twirled around in my head like a twirling top
I could be a cowboy, an actor or even a cop
An Emperor, fireman, a Prince or a King
I could be almost any great thing

Though I’m eighty plus, an adult I am not
Still just a kid with what all kids have got
Great dreams for tomorrow with long years ahead
I refuse to give in, and be one with those dead

That question’s no longer asked of me, and I can’t deny
I wish they’d ask it so I could reply
I’d like them to ask it over and over again
Before Father Time slams shut my youth-filled domain