Old Age

It is that time of life

When no matter where you tie

The belt, the belly escapes

Over or under.

Let me say of old age that

Should you not have your pills

Ready to hand, it is a blunder;

And should you be well nonetheless,

It is a wonder.

There are those who wilt and die

For no discernible reason;

And there are those who flourish

Unexplained in many a mortal season.

But those alone are happy past

That proverbial three score and ten

Who feel beyond their ailments.

And live beyond their den.

Badri Raina