I’ve never … been this old before,
shivering on the threshold just inside
the newly opened door of my ninetieth year.
Four-score-and-ten stands next in line.
One whole score – twenty full years more
than the psalmist’s age-old allocation.
I’ve never … worn a body like this before,
no longer willing – even able – to do the things
it used to do so easily and well, like standing,
walking, kneeling, bending, fastening tiny buttons,
trimming toenails, tasting food.
I’ve never … known a mind like this before,
reluctant to remember, frequent to forget,
constantly aware that by the time the latest
project/problem/prospect in the daily news
has come to pass I may no longer be around
to learn just how things will turn out.
I’ve never … lived a life like this before,
and looking back it’s had its moments –
moments to cherish, moments I’d be happy to
forget. Looking ahead, the moments that remain,
however few, will surely bring some laughter, love
and music, also tears, their daily dose of pain,
all varieties of weather to be faced along with,
every now and then, a sunlit interval or two
in which to raise a melody and offer thanks.
