FEARS OF OLD AGE

Toothless mouth, dying grey hair Will never be my deepest fear. Hunched shoulders, a third foot Are not the shadows I dread. Will my conscience serve me right For the life I've lived? The opportunities I let slip Will they haunt me in old age? I fear not living alone But will I be remembered when I'm gone? Will my name grace the list When a male child is born? My fear is never death For I've long lived with failing health. My fear is guilt consuming me— How will I ease that burden?