Years of My Life, 1959

A Journey from 1944 to … Now

1959

This was the year I turned fifteen—

A most amazing age:
Yes, I was certain, at fifteen,

That I was, well, a sage.

I had the wisdom of the years—

Experience to burn.

I couldn’t think of very much

That I had yet to learn.

For I had basketball and plays

And band and choir and such,

And homework didn’t bother me:
Just didn’t do that much.

To college went my older bro—

Where he would once more shine,

But shining in the classroom? It

Was not a goal of mine.

Instead, for me, the NBA!

The Major Leagues, as well!

And Halls of Fame? Well, certainly.

(Already, I could tell.)

But in the bushes, lurking there,

Were Fear and brother Doubt:

At times I was too well aware

My future wasn’t … stout.