I met old age

I stared it in the face

 

I saw the wrinkles

the falters

the loosenings and tightenings

 

I saw the laughlines

the care-worn hands

the thoughtful gleam

 

I saw the frownlines

the horde of tears

the pain wracked joints

 

I saw the frailty

the baby bird

the brittle twig

 

I saw the strength

the endurance

the patient wisdom

 

I met old age

I stared it in the face

I held its hand

I embraced its gentle heart

I wept for its continuous passage

 

I met old age

& will never see the same.