I’ve heard age called just a number,

But I don’t believe that’s true.

‘Cause I think its lots of numbers...

They add up to me and you.

4/19, 12/8, 10/12 - Numbers,

Birthdays of some friends...

Special numbers we invest in --

High returns yielded by them.

31, a favorite baseball player,

In basketball it’s 8;

24, the Nascar champ...

Strength of heart’s what makes each great.

I woke up age 15 the day

My dad’s number was called.

By its end I’d passed his 42;

Subtraction makes time stall...

Number 1, my academic rank

In high school -- made Mom proud...

Now just comfort for embarrassment;

Lifts that "God, how stupid" cloud.

Perhaps we are just numbers,

Ones that do reveal our age.

But not our age’s number,

Rather what fills each life’s page...

Courage, through discovery of our

Heritage and pride;

Mileage on our journey,

Private moments locked inside...

Rites of passage we’ve survived,

Damage inflicted and felt;

Encouraged and discouraged

By the highs and lows we’re dealt.

So many ages all add up

To one life, don't forget --

Nor that zero is the greatest

If it numbers our regrets.