Crossing The Border

Ogden Nash

* * *

Senescence begins

And middle age ends

The day your descendents

Outnumber your friends. 

* * *

There was a young belle of Natchez

Whose garments were always in patchez.

When comment arose

On the state of her clothes,

She drawled, When Ah itchez, Ah scratchez! 

* * *

This one is entering her teens,

Ripe for sentimental scenes,

Has picked a gangling unripe male,

Sees herself in bridal veil,

Presses lips and tosses head,

Declares she's not too young to wed,

Informs you pertly you forget

Romeo and Juliet.

Do not argue, do not shout;

Remind her how that one turned out.