Short age

I've always been of age. Of a certain age that is. At first I was 0 years old and then quickly that became a question better answered by I am this (hand up) old. At some point in the 6-7 year range that changes but you still want presents. Then you turn twelve and people start running for the hills as you lurch up.

Then, a couple of years later, maybe a little bit of facial hair tells people a good guesstimate for your age. Then your little plastic id badge lies to people about your age. Then it doesn't. First in one country (16), then in another (18), then in a third (21).

From hereonafter it's not polite to ask. Unless you're making sure it's not jailbait. Just pay close attention to the wrinkles and white hairs.

A momentary musing regarding that which is often taken for granted. The passage of time.