by Michelle Oram

I am aware
my light is hazy
in the dusk
of a distant memory
The intensity
of my youth
is in need
of a new battery
I am slowing down
to many a stop sign
caused by dimming
brightness of my eyes

My once unstoppable
knees grind
bone on bone
as I maneuver
the many steps
of my dwindling
tango days
My ears strain
in the silence
of a long
fading song
Just yesterday
my vibrant energy
was able to conquer
the impossible
but now I am
a flame
nearing its end
a wilted flower
drying
in a vase of water
unable to drink the life
of endless possibilities

I am not ready
to race
to the end
of this finish line
I want to slurp
slowly
the honey of life
and savor
what’s left of today
as I attempt to accomplish
golden years
unspoken dreams

My once
full speed ahead
unlimited
energy
has set in
yesterday’s
karmic sunset
I am a rainbow
of color
waiting for the sun
to shine through
the ageless rain