The Process

If you saw me today, you might ask,

What in hell happened to you? And

I would tell you that since we last met

(which was several years ago), I was

Bitten on both ankles by a rabid badger;

I was pecked repeatedly in the eyes by

An emu passing by. Just how many

Years has it been, I would ask because

My condition depends upon where or

When we had our last encounter? A

Couple of years ago, a rotating windmill

Took me off at the knees. Three or four

Years back, my face went through an

Atomic attack, Since then I have never

Been the same. You may have noticed

How many years the President ages the

Longer he holds office—graying hair and

Wrinkles invading his face. Stress has a

Great deal to do with the aging affect,

All the experts will agree. As for me,

Smoking and drink have accelerated

The process, I’d say. And consistently

Breathing in and out each day has defi-

nitely been a contributing factor at play.

I just added the badger for effect. With-

Out that detail, my condition would

Seem far less dramatic. Life becomes

More exciting when you introduce an

Outrageous event or two into the mix.

The windmill thing just doesn’t ring

Authentic to me. And to casually admit

That I’m seventy years old, what in hell

Did you expect? Well frankly, that would

Be just ho-hum boring. Besides, should I

Meet you by chance on the street after all

These years, I would most assuredly have

My questions of you. What on God’s green

Earth, Old Friend, has happened to you?

Let me guess...You’re a work in progress too.

Chris Hanch 4-29-17