The Letter in Old Age
Just a line to say I'm living
That I'm not among the dead
Though I'm getting more forgetful
Something's in my head;
I got used to my arthritis
To my dentures I'm resigned
I can manage my bifocals
But how much I miss my mind;
For sometimes I cannot remember
When I stand atop the stairs
If I must go down for something
Or if I've just come from there;
And before the 'fridge so often
My mind is filled with nagging doubt
Have I just put food away,or
Have I come to take some out?
I called a friend not long ago
When they answered I just moaned.
I hung up quickly without speaking,
For I'd forgotten who I'd phoned.
And when the darkness falls upon me
I stand alone and scratch my head
I don't know if I'm retiring
Or just getting out of bed.
Once I stood in my own bathroom
Wondering if I'd used the pot
I flushed it just in case I had
And sat down just in case not.
So now it's my turn to write to you
There's no need for getting sore
It may be that I think I've written
And don't need to write no more.
Now I stand beside the postbox
With face so very red
Instead of posting your letter
I've opened it instead.
unknown author
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