Living the Aging Life

I turn on the news, and

it’s always bad.

It’s sometimes brutal

and it’s often sad.

They’re always breaking

in to show

grim things that I

don’t want to know.

Ev’rybody knows

we’re on a planet full of trouble.

Ev’rybody knows

we’ve had a two-year COVID bubble.

Ev’rybody knows

about the rise in violence.

Ev’rybody knows

our human problems are immense.

Ev’rybody knows

about the changes in the weather.

But, no one knows

what we should do to solve these things together.

Two ships wait in the harbor,

sitting idly in the bay,

floating with the changing tide

to pass their day away.

No port is ready for them–

 no place for them to dock.

They drift at anchor, waiting,

as they while away the clock.

Tell me about the Olden Days.

Tell me ‘bout life back then.

Tell me what you’re thinking

when you say:  “Remember when?”

Tell me what folks used to do –

all the ways they found to cope.

Tell me how they kept their faith

so they wouldn’t lose all hope.

Tell me how they met each day:

Dealt with laughter.  Dealt with sorrow.

Tell me how it used to be

so I can face tomorrow.

The primrose spreads her leaves to the sun.

In the light, she begins to grow.

She bides her time in her little pot

for an end to cold winter’s snow.

Words are real.  There they are.

One cannot hit “Undo.”

One might as well be careful

that the words one speaks are true.

Once words are said, they can’t be changed,

e’en though you change your mind.

So, when you’re uttering your words…

you might as well be kind.

Each day I light a candle.

It’s one thing I can do.

It burns for folks throughout the world.

It burns for me and you.

I hear a little lullaby.

Its song is sweet and true.

I hear a lullaby of love.

It’s a lullaby for you.

Where-ever I go, you’ll be with me,

in sunshine, and in sorrow.

You’re with me in my heart today,

and you’ll still be here tomorrow.