This June,
My younger son, at 50,
Plans to visit Iceland—for two weeks—
To tour and hike with a pal of his.
My stepson Rick, approaching 55.
Can’t wait to retire and move
From L.A. to the drenched
Olympic Peninsula.
My older son, at 58,
Smitten, flies to New Zealand
From California—non-stop!—
Next week.
My energetic wife, now 77,
Is planning a ceramics tour
Of Italy
Organized for June of next year.
My old friend George, at 81,
Intends, this summer,
To motorcycle through back roads
Of Kentucky and Tennessee.
How is this possible?
At their core there burns
A flame, not so hot and bright
As once before, yet still warm and light.
Me, at 83?
Alas, my flame’s burnt out—
No embers even—
Just cold white ash.
I yearn for problem-free
Serenity—
A comfortable chair,
A readable book.
(4/20/13)