Mortal

Mortal
 
I used to be able to pretend
That I would live forever
But now that I am thirty- eight
My thoughts do turn to Heaven.
 
I can detect signs of deterioration:
My eyesight’s starting to go
I’ve a kind of fear of falling apart
I’m going to die- I know.
 
I see the elderly in the street
And know what one day that will be me
Supple joints, a balanced gait
Will make way for frailty.
 
I’ll surrender my youth with dignity
As I become wiser and more mellow
I don’t know where I’ll be forty years from now
I hope I’ll be a mature old fellow.