Getting Old Hurts

You held me as I cried life's first breath
Teacher, mentor, task master: I adored you, the world was ... you
In my eyes you were perfect, bold, self assured, master and commander

As I grew, we fixed cars, boo boos, and celebrated life's triumphs
We were inseparable
I grew up and as all do, left for my own challenges, yet still you were there
An ocean away, you and mom kept my cat, car, and spirit alive

Time, as always, moving ever faster....
Age adds to each of us what life brings, happy...sad...it is life
Mutifarious troubles you have as you approach octagenarianhood

In your twilight of life, I hold you
As you cry, as life slips toward finality in a hospital bed...
Cry for the relationship degrading, health fading, hopes and dreams caving

I take you home with me, a shell of the man I adored
Away from the stress, your body and spirit to heal as it may
It is temporary and troubled... but you found the man you want to be
Circumstances are cruel and you, having healed to a certain degree, depart

Now we both cry....communication cut off
By an anger that knows no limits and is not  rational
The result a deed done out of necessity, love, not spite... we cannot talk, share
All of us cry....for life adventures not taken, relationships unable to be mended, and the final journey of the two people most dear to me

Getting old hurts... the body, the mind, the spirit