Flowers

Dependent, and dependable,

a woman pushing another,

the burden of infirmity shared.

Wheels spin as we parallel

on the otherwise empty pavement.

One twin above the other,

like sunflowers, on the same stalk,

They turn to look at me and offer

the sincerity of unforced smiles,

positive comments, and hopes

that I have a very good day,

I mean it when I wish them the same.

Short but memorable encounter,

for as I continue on my way,

it can’t be coincidental that

My own petals have begun to unfurl.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Patience and Fortitude

When Fahrenheit rose uncomfortably

up several degrees internally,

thermometer neared one hundred and two,

the abnormal heat caused my shivers too.

Decided to follow voices I’d read,

fever burns virus until it is dead,

without those pharmaceutical effects

that can cause kidney or liver defects.

“Won’t take medicine, are you serious?

Perhaps, illness has made you delirious.”

“Look, I’m still taking my blood pressure pill,

and adhere to multi-vitamin drill.”

I moaned at well-intentioned suggestions,

and groaned rather than answer his questions.

I allowed sickness to follow its course,

slowly got better, and am not divorced.

2048

If I keep aging to 100 years,
will the Today Show program still be there
to air a long-in-the tooth grin, my face,
a wrinkled label on a Smucker’s jar?
Will old Willard Scott, or his replacement,
sum up my life with a sweet anecdote?

“This gal attributes her longevity
to tea and squeezed lemon juice from her tree,
plus, she plays harmonica twice a day.
What a great way to exercise your lungs.
Hey, maybe I should start blowing the blues,
and darjeeling tea tastes great with cheesecake.”

When I am really old, will I regret
that I cut back on cholesterol, corn
syrup, alcohol, and cigarette packs?
If, due to their excessive enjoyment,
those who matter most to me have passed on,
will lifestyle to stay alive seem worthwhile?

In forty years, century birthdays might
be too common for tv announcements.
I might be spry, able to hear, remember,
see, and work until I’m way past 90.
I feel tired thinking of life like that.
Need some sugar to give me energy.