Spine curved like a taut bow
I heard the trainer’s words:
“Those old people walking bent and hooked?
That’s you in twenty years unless…”Outside I addressed the multitude:
“Once I felt blessed because I had my honey,
And now for being alone. Is it possible
I’m the prisoner of an ongoing delusion?”In that crowd a man accompanied by Beauty
Met me with a look that said,
“To what unfortunate species do you belong?”
The look I gave him back replying,“Stay alive and count yourself lucky
Should you come close to finding out.”October 2002