The Wonder Years

At 7
I wanted to watch it
They said I was tired
So I had to go to bed
At 17
I wanted to watch it
And though I was tired
I could, so I did
At 27
I wanted to watch it
I was tired
But it was wise not to, I went to bed
And missed the show
Even though
I may not see it again
My entire body more important
Than the delight of my eyes

At 5
I wanted to eat it
But couldn't
She said she had no money
In her money-filled purse
At 15
I wanted to eat it
And bought it
I had saved my own money
I decided how I operated my own purse
At 25
I wanted to eat it
But I walked away
My salary could afford it
But my body could not
The weight gain was obvious
The life plans still pending
I needed to be wise on my spending
And that sweet treat
That juicy fat piece
Cost more than its price
Than its every bite

At 10
I wanted to miss school
But he woke me up at 5
I wanted to cry
I got ready begrudgingly
Got to school in time
At 20
I wanted to miss class
So I analysed its importance
Half asleep in my bed
I stayed in my room
To go for tutorials instead
At 30
I wanted to miss work
My body sore
From the day before
Early morning meeting I could not ignore
Deadlines to meet
The work mine to complete
I pulled myself out of bed
Prayed for the next public holiday
To arrive quickly instead
Make myself worth my salt
Perform my duties, keep my job
Be reliable as my conscience could be
Early hours late nights
So I can get my output right

Sigh, a lot changes in 10 and 20 years....
It's a wonder what happened to these wonder years*

*with loose reference to American Comedy TV series 'The Wonder Years'. You may read the plot at https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wonder_Years