dead silence
Old age has its survival irregularities
lessons we have learned to avoid
mostly unintended consequences
my great-grandchildren have their name
in english with washable marker
placed upon their forehead
i have become more adept at reading lips
more understanding i repeat my stories
to ears who have already heard that escapade
and not offended by the face given
which tells me as much
i am at peace with the world in a hurry
and smile when they remind me
i am not; i understand hand gesticulations
retired my eyesight long ago
in ever-correcting lenses
forgetting to wear my hearing aid
and entering the task of shopping
is where i learned to read lips
i have exchanged countless pleasantries
without having to learn other languages
and have made new helpful friends
who have explained what the cashier said
grocery scooters are mastered
with only a few store displays dismantled
in a nice short time, but home delivery is wiser
waiting in line at the pharmacy i always ask
anybody remember back in elementary school
them talking about doctor's visits
lab tests, pill dispensers, lines at the pharmacy
the only new people you see regularly
are in medical offices, dead silence
the other day entering a buffet
pushing my walker ahead of me
sat a man on a bench, his hair greying
he gave my walker a worried look
i know that look, recognizing impending doom
don't worry i assured him
it only grows worse
inside i am chided over my choices
you know how they worry about diet
i reply, i am gathering while i may
roses are inedible; more gravy, please
Oregon 10/1/26
Post Comments
Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.
Please
Login
to post a comment
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a
Premium Membership.
