Old Age (as I see it)

 

Old age tells me of mortality, of others

and of ourselves. Those, such as I, who

have attained their share of years on the

Earth are aware the end is near. Perhaps

more than a matter of minutes, hours,

days, even years, but somewhere near.

We’ve all had friends and relations whose

demise was an early and unexpected surprise.

No one at any age has a bonded guarantee.

But there comes a time when you need to

prepare for the inevitability of mortality.

Old age tells us that we are no longer able

physically or mentally as we used to be.

Granted there are those who may look

or perform better than many of their age,

but don’t be fooled, my friends, time is,

has always been a degenerative disease.

Old age tells us when we hear in the news of

the famous and revered we have grown up

with have died, our number being called is

is only a matter of time.

Old age tells us of that which we can and

can no longer achieve. Old age tells us with

every season, and for good reason, there

is a beginning and an end.

Now, there are many who believe in a

life hereafter. And I’m not trying to mess

with anyone’s faith and thoughts on eter-

nity, but personally, I believe it would be

boring for even the good stuff to last

forever.

Old age tells me I’d best cherish what’s

left in this life for me. Kind of makes me

grateful even for my debilitating and

chronic aches and pains.

Someone once told me (and the guy was

no famous guru or Svengali, but rather

let’s say more of an armchair philosopher):

“At least with the pain, you know you’re

still alive.”

I suppose it all boils down to this: Mostly

old age tells me, if I am remembered

when I’m gone, that will have to be good

enough for me.

                   -30-

Chris Hanch 5-17-2021