Statute of Limitations

What’s the penance for one’s youth? 

I never asked to be ten-years your junior.

You see, I was born on another woman’s agenda, 

Predetermined, 

With no method of appeal.

Was I too late? 

Did I start life overdue?

Punctuality was never my strong suit.

I ask is a decade too long?

It seems a simple request that my affection 

Bridge the gap of time between us.

I assure you, 

It’s strong enough.

In these lines I beg you 

Do not condemn me for my youth.

Is ten trips around the sun 

Really that substantial 

Of a journey?

And if that's all it takes, 

Can I 

Relinquish the scenic route 

For an expressway?

You acted shy about your age,

But it’s interval isn’t one to fear.

For a chance to sync our time together 

I’d gladly surrender the remaining years,

The ones that encompass 

What's left of my youth, 

Heavy, 

Like a burden.

Or at least they are

When compared to you.