raw deal

when we’re young

we’re muscle & miracle,

wild horse bodies,

no aches, no brakes,

and we think we know everything-

arrogantly

burning days like a vape

that never runs out.

then time betrays us

(like the government, baby)

and we get wise,

slow-wise,

too late-wise,

and just when the mind finally clicks,

knees click too,

backs remember,

energy ghosts out

like a friend doing the irish goodbye.

youth is strength without knowing.

age is knowing without strength.

what a raw deal.