When youth is gone…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When youth is gone,

what will we have?

memories, love, fear?

 

Memories of happiness

and frolic,

memories of dreams older than

yourself.

 

Love of someone,

perhaps?

Love from family,

friend,

or heart?

Will you have anyone near?

 

Fear of dying, maybe?

The fear whose foundation creeps

closer—everyday.

There is nothing we can do

to stop the black menace from taking life.

 

Would you live on in such a way?

As a scared old woman who tears

for days passed?

 

Well not me.

I will live as an elder,

wise with age,

and elder who understands,

who interprets,

who ministers.

I will not give up the life

that youth gives,

because when old,

life is not over yet.

 

I will live until I die.

 

Will you?