Shortcuts For Old Age

I found myself the other day

avoiding a sidewalk

because cutting across some grass

would save me a few moments of time.

I thought as I did so,

"What am i saving the time for?"

The realistic answer came,

"You are aging,

and saving the time that is left

is more important somehow."

I saved those few seconds,

but climbing stairs is slower now.

So the time saved by crossing the lawn

was used up immediately

when I came upstairs to use this computer.

I find I do a better job of chewing my food.

(Mother would be proud, if she were still here.)

I used to put some flakes of cereal in my bowl,

with a little milk swirled around,

before I dashed off for school in the morning,

unfed but undeterred by my Mom's wishes.

Now I relish a leisurely breakfast

and wonder whether or not I am wasting time

better used in some more serious undertaking.

Then again, "undertaking" is something

we "elders" alternately wish for and try to avoid.

Now it is true that "saving time"

to hold a grandchild in my lap,

while rocking and telling stories,

is time well saved for.

And likewise, living longer

in order to do more of that is wise.

Now some of those grandkids are coming.

So, bundling up and hurrying

outside to start clearing snow

from the driveway may be just the thing,

as long as I don't overdo it,

and rush myself to the wrong "undertaking."

The day will come soon enough

when their grandmother

will call and ask them to help

their grandfather clear the driveway;

but not today, when saving time

to be together is time well spent.