The Cage Of Age

I still go through the lanes which I traveled for school, 

There was playfulness back then but now I'm a professional. 

The smell of the sweets, sold by the streets still lingers in the air, 

Seldom do I look at them since I have a diet to take care of. 

My tender looks gazed for an hour, at the glass that covered the fishes galore, 

Now it's only a tank of water for which my eyes have lost their color. 

The puppies that I pranked, filled me with a delightful air, 

The hounds are now old & need care, but I've no time left to spare. 

The posters on the wall had me curious about movies & cricket matches, 

Glad for the internet I have, I don't even notice their scratches. 

We rejoiced like proud hunters when our stones felled the tamarinds, 

Now my teeth like no sour while the tamarinds got traded for buildings. 

A bicycle with gear was only what I had longed, 

My engine now burns enough fuel that I forget where I belonged. 

An Oldman helped me cross the busy street & with a smile, he'd always greet, 

And now he just languishes by the door, with a detailed look that makes me sore. 

I was the one with wings, full of curiosity and bliss. 

But, now I'm in a cage, that is guarded by my age.