Living the Aging Life

My cats wake in the morning

and they wait around my feet,

in poised anticipation of

how soon they’ll get to eat.

A bit of apple butter

is quite tasty on my bread.

I’m sure that some folks may

prefer a modern spread instead.

But plain old apple butter

is a special treat for me…

the kind that’s made on top

the stove with apples from one’s tree.

Walk softly on the earth today.

Speak gently in the wind.

And let this ailing planet know

in you it has a friend.

I think that I would like to go

down South and visit Mexico.

I’d like to frolic in the sun,

bask in the heat, and have some fun.

I’d like to use my Spanish skills.

I’d leave behind the worry pills.

I’d find a splashy place to swim

and leave behind the Dark and Dim.

The Great Northwest has lots to see

but Mexico looks good to me!

My candle burns for those who sit

in sterile waiting rooms—

fearing, hoping, dreading,

anxious ‘bout the news that looms.

My candle burns for those who wait

and wonder what to do.

My candle burns for families.

My candle burns for you.

May this whole day go well for you.

May ev’rything be right.

May happiness mark ev’ry step

from morning till this night.

My candle burns for those who face

the surgeon’s sterile knife—

who tremble at the process

even though it offers life.

My candle burns for hospitals,

their staff, and all their crew.

My candle burns for those who ail.

My candle burns for you.

Folks who live in drier climates

have no reason to complain

‘bout the dreaded, dreary malady

called Mildew of the Brain.

Folks who sometimes see the sunshine

just can’t seem to understand

how a brain can warp and mold away

from wetness in the land.

Folks who live where there are seasons

think the year divides by four,

never thinking ‘bout the places

where there’s only rain in store.

The CDC should work on this,

 then isolate the strain and

make  a vaccination to

cure Mildew of the Brain.

December weather’s dank and dark

with days and nights of rain.

The water falls unceasingly.

There’s Mildew on My Brain.

My candle lifts its flame for you

to help you through this day.

It shines its flaming beacon

so you always see your way.