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.