The slightly deaf

Ringing ears itch,

The gray, slightly

Dim eyes blur and water,

The feet ache.

The hair fades and balds,

The joints stiffen.

The nose is ripped,

The lungs ooze

Dread inches closer,

And yet:

The world stirs and beckons to

One more blue day,

One more glass of fine wine,

One last embrace,

One startled birdsong,

One green vision,

One more raid on the unspeakable.