If I Make It To Old Age
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In 2023, having just gone through a short but rather nasty period of ill health, I got to wondering about how long I might live. Not morbidly - I'm far to fatalistic for that. Having read a poem about reaching old age, I thought I would write one from the point of view of someone who hasn't got that far - yet.
If I Make It To Old Age
If I make it to old age, I’ll count myself lucky.
Not careful or clever, not courageous or plucky.
It’s all down to fortune at the end of the day.
Despite what the best advice is, or what doctors say.
There’s fitness freaks popping their clogs in their twenties,
While ancient old alkies live surrounded by empties.
Well alright, those folks are excepting the rule.
Life can be implausibly generous or cruel.
Don’t get me wrong now, I don’t want to pop,
But the day with my number on will be time to drop.
There’s nothing can stop it, when it’s time it is time,
Be you ancient and venerable or right in your prime.
If I make it to old age, it won’t mean I’m cunning,
Just that I’ve managed to stay in the running.
I’ll keep cracking on, just like anyone would,
I’m middle-aged now, so it’s so far, so good!
Copyright © Brian K. Bilverstone | Year Posted 2023
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