i can still remember

i am not what i ought to be

but i am not ashamed of me.

after my dignity was gone

i was able to carry on.

i do not put on any airs

and have no indecent affairs.

i think my future may have been

like the one i am living in.

time is now catching up with me;

next year i will be ninety-three.

i seem to be falling much more

so i am too much on the floor.

i want to be active instead

of spending too much time in bed.

i am beginning to find out

what our old age is all about.

i dread what i will have to do

if i get as senile as you.

your attitude will never be

very optimistic, like me.

stop the world. i want to get out.

before optimism is doubt.

there’s no reason to be afraid.

after all, i have got it made.

walt abbott 3-28-2012