Old and Wise

As I have grown old and wise
I sit back and realize
What was said and meant
Between the hellos
And goodbyes

Just fleeting moments
Now they seem to me
I can only hope now
They remain a memory

We dismay at how time passes
And how it gets away
Things taken for granted
And what we had that day

Memories of days past
Be good or be they bad
It's that day that got away
And the good times we had

As I grow old and wise
I realize now and see
That enjoying the moment
Was not a priority

The roses I didn't take the time
To stop and smell
Just some advice to you
Through the story I tell

And that you should enjoy the moment
For the joy it will bring you
And what it can mean to you as well

If getting to the next day
Means forgetting today
Then for you my friend
Will have missed an opportunity

Tomorrow and yesterday
Are important in our lives
But what happens everyday
Is where memories survive

And as I grow old and wise
I came to realize
These special truths
Before my eyes...

And I no longer criticize
Those missed moments

Between the hellos...

And goodbyes...