THE COMFORTS OF OLD AGE

By John Herlihy

The comforts of old age can be counted on one hand,

 Future years no longer limitless, a kind of reprimand.

Whereas our restless youth had the world at its feet,

A sober old age re-awakens, the end of life to meet.

Love’s promises do tease the mind, but the heart tickle;

An old man’s mind seeks reprieve from autumn’s sickle.

The blunt edges of my blades tempered by life’s forges,

To face life’s challenges on a road thru mountain gorges.

As we age, hopes do turn into haunted ghosts with fears;

One’s dreams left by the wayside with the passing years.

All the strength and courage of youth now finally spent;

Time to give back the virtues our good fortune has lent.

The comforts of old age can be numbered as legion;

Now, vain desires dissipate in this narrowing region.

Whereas once our passions flamed and knew no limit;

Now knowledge is gained as wisdom at life’s summit.

Having accomplished much with nothing left to prove;

All the emotions now wrung out, but still on the move.

These are the days that life seems frayed at the hems;

Instead, they shine with all the luster of precious gems.

Old age provides the perfect balm for raging ambition;

My dreams are now for my children to come to fruition.

Ah yes, time takes its toll with my face full of wrinkles;

But the mercy and peace down from Heaven sprinkles.