Gerontologists are
generally gentle,
Engaged in how to end one's life with grace.
Remember that experience is mental;
Old age is no more destiny than race.
Need can make the needy nasty, querulous,
Testy, tearful, childish, obsessed,
Obstinate and ornery, tempestuous,
Livid, listless, lecherous, depressed.
Open, then, your heart, as well you must,
Giving more than you might now suppose.
In time, may you find tenderness in trust
Singing sweetly underneath life's woes,
The lilt of love that lingers, long and deep,
So beautiful it makes the angels
weep.
Copyright by Nicholas Gordon. Free for personal or non-commercial use.
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