I Am a Prisoner Here

I am a prisoner here, Though I have no bars to contain me, No chains to restrain me, Nor any crime to detain me. My only offense is being old, A fact that frankly Leaves me cold. They say these years Are golden, But it isn’t so. How do I know? You ask, perplexed. I just do, I answer, Feeling slightly vexed. And yet, and yet . . . Oh let me out, Let me out, I say! Out of this prison, If just for a day. I’ll be good, I promise I will. I’ll follow the rules. I do know the drill! It may sound absurd But I give you my word. I truly have done my time. Sometimes I wonder if Anything’s left But time.