Old Age

"I'm 86 years old." She said with a wicked grin. Sparks in her narrow eyes Shine like glistening rocks On a beach, full of playfulness, Curiosity --- a dancing, Laughing child Seems to jump out From the garden in her Wild eyes. She is old --- voice shaking, Steps unbalanced --- old As a stubbron pine tree Or the weathered rocks That witnessed the passing of light,star dust. She reminds me of a little bird That never stops flying As long as She sees a patch of blue sky. This morning, I was almost depressed To find a gray hair on my head. I plucked it with a painful curse. Now I feel ashamed, but happier. ----LTG 2004