People ask me what it feels like at my age.

I The Body

The body

Wobbles, waddles;

Bobbles, hobbles, toddles:

Totters, teeters:

Occasionally topples.

The comedy of a melting spine.

II The Mind

The mind

Jumps and jives,

Moves and grooves,

Wheels and deals,

Laughs and weeps,

Sows and reaps;

Dances, prances, enhances;

Even romances.

III The Soul

The soul

Wonders, waits, anticipates;

Counting down while cleaning up;

Scrubbing Faith and dusting Hope;

Burying sin and gagging Doubt;

Rationing fears, rehearsing tears.

Tremulously listening for his name to be called.

Edward Gallagher