When I am Older

I've looked into the faces of my elders and seen a child's tears. I've seen in their eyes the sadness that comes with wisdom beyond their years. Are adults hardened children? Can they see through a child's eyes? Are we all doomed to be children, of the oversized? And if we are... why can we not spread the joys and laughter of a child's world? Why must we wrap ourselves in dignities and prides Can we not see we make ourselves “old”? I'm thinking our concepts of age are off. And when I become older, I do NOT want to be a hardened child... I plan to be one set free.