Time and Old Age


I've perhaps

outlived my years-

the past has spoken

with its fears and tears-


an old man is beyond

the ken of regret or blame

all that's gone before

is the burning out of shame


excusable, for being foolish and naive

which is life's basic existential frame--

seething lessons have been acquired

and every single one gainfully learnt-


the tide of mindless time rushes on

old age knows all too well there's no return

yet, dignity and grace is honourably retained

there's no longer the need to reappraised or to feign