I mustn't forget that I'm gettin' old, <br />That's the worst thing ever a man can do. <br />I must keep in mind without bein' told <br />That old ideas must give away to new. <br />Let me be always upon my guard <br />Never a crabby old man to be, <br />Youth is too precious to have it marred <br />By the cranky whims of a man like me. <br /> <br />I must remember that customs change <br />An' I've had my youth an' my hair is gray, <br />Mustn't be too surprised at strange <br />Or startlin' things that the youngsters say; <br />Mustn't keep the bit in their mouths too tight, <br />Which is something, old people are apt to do. <br />What used to be wrong may today be right <br />An' it may not be wrong just becoz it's new. <br /> <br />Want 'em to like me an' want 'em to know <br />That I need their laughter an' mirth an' song, <br />An' I want 'em near, coz I love 'em so, <br />An' home is the place where their smiles belong. <br />They're growin' up, an' it seems so queer <br />To hear them talk of the views they hold, <br />But age with youth shouldn't interfere <br />An' I musn't forget that I'm gettin' old.<br /><br />Edgar Albert Guest<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/i-mustn-t-forget/
