When life is a dull brown
And winters frost has touched the hair
And summers plenty remains evident
In spite of stately walks outside

Does the excitement of youth wither?
Like the frozen squash blossoms
Leaving but hollow dry stems,
as evidence of what once alive?

The fruits born so very long ago
Now bear fruits themselves
Each household bursting with life,
vibrating homes with the noise of youth.

The future uncertain, the present lonely
Remains of half-eaten lunch on a plate
An appetite waning, energy levels low
An observer of the life around
Feeling the cold of winter in the bones