When I was Young

A visually subdued image divided diagonally, featuring an abstract representation of youthful nightlife with desaturated colors on the top, and a serene, mature setting with a character in a cheese-textured blanket in a nook below, connected by clouds symbolizing the transition from youth to maturity.

When I was young,
late-night adventures
of dancing,
of dining,
of playing cards

with friends
was my declaration
of independence
over sleep.

But now
the most thrilling
Friday night
means falling asleep
in recliner
while semi-riveted
in a streaming documentary
about the history of cheese.