Old Age

Maybe it’s stupid to think about grabbing life

at this late date.

So much of it has already slid by,

occupied by work and worry,

And will the children turn out to be good people

Or have I ruined them for life?

 

Now, the children survived

Good people all of them

Or at least good enough.

Making their way in the world

Without leaving destruction in their wake.

 

It’s my time

Or so I think to myself

In the early morning

When the sun pours in like butterscotch

And sticks to all my senses.

(Thank you, Neil Diamond.)

 

Maybe it’s stupid to think about living wild,

Whatever wild looks like at this late date.

There are still RESPONSIBILITIES.

A mortgage, the retirement fund,

Grass to mow, clothes to wash.

 

Throw caution to the wind

What’s the worst that can happen?

Old age is the excuse to assuage

Others’ concern.

 

When I am old

I shall wear a red hat

With purple gloves.