I don’t remember agreeing to grow old

If age comes with wisdom
   when do I start to understand
      the lingering effects of the abuse?

If age comes with forgetfullness
   when do I start forgetting the abuse
      and losing the pain at its side?

If age comes with compassion
   when do I start having some
      for myself?

If age comes with aches and pains
   can they at least wait
      until I’m over the ones from the abuse?

No, I don’t remember agreeing to grow old

But then – I don’t remember agreeing to grow up either

Great poem MarkK!
unfortunately we all are caught by same agreements

Are we?? This is one of those places where I feel isolated - like I'm the only one dreading, fearing, and hating my increasing age...

I think that almost every human being is there feeling isolated and in fear of aging...

of course
and i suppose that is settled then

I just turned 66 and have been dealing with the awareness of what happened to me for 29 years and I still feel like a bobber in a lake of emotion. I think I understand what you are saying.

a lot of depression in that one... i'd ask how much lower - but someone might tell me.