Ten No More

Kickball's flying in the old school yard,
All of a sudden, it hits you so hard -
Boss startles you as he slams the door,
And you realize that you're ten no more.

Imaginary playmates,
Toy soldiers on the floor,
Mad dash between the dates,
And you're ten no more.

You're watching Nancy, bows in her pigtails;
Then the wind catches up, and the ribbon sails -
Wife startles you as she slams the door.
You read the note she left, and you're ten no more.

First seat, second row, third grade,
The girl that you adore.
The passing decades fade,
And you're ten no more.

Playing catch with Dad on a bright Saturday,
Making believe you complete a double play -
You slide step through the church's double door,
Stop at the casket, and you're ten no more.

Your dad's taking you on down
To the big boys' bike store.
Those big wheels spin around,
And you're ten no more.

Memorizing verses in Sunday School;
Someone asks if you know the Golden Rule.
You're answering The Man at Heaven's Door,
And it doesn't matter that you're ten no more.