Long In the Tooth

Age is a gradual process, So gradual, one doesn't notice Changes until they are so defined That they start to affect your mind, Sometimes, more than I care to say, My mind is elsewhere is where it stays. I try to pretend I am not old, Days when the fog clears, I feel bold, Until I undress myself to shower, Which could take an hour. Before I sit on my shower chair To wash my aging frame and grey hair. Showering makes me out of breath, I catch sight of myself in the mirror looking like death Who is around the corner peering at me. To see how much more help I need to keep me walking, And talking. Hearing aid, intraocular lenses, spectacles, new hip, cap tooth, Toilet chair, walker. a picker-upper, strewth. I am still here at 84. I am blessed and have a lot to be thankful for