The Retirement Of J. Vernon.
by @TomELSalter
I have yet to face the mirror
And ask to grow old
So, how should I begin?
Begin wilting into a vintage skin:
Gaunt, creased and thin
Like the last sinking snow
Of a hushed winter.
And what of my hair?
Whiskers that once
Gathered as a forest:
Wild, viscous
And well-nourished
But now snipped
To the skin,
So, should I now begin?
Shall I face the staring mirror
And sing in a whisper;
“Can I yet grow old? Oh,
Let me shrink into the earth
As I exhaust and go bald,
And let me age into a smile
That no longer holds mirth.”,
So, should I offer
My permission?
And throw my voice
Into the reflection
And patiently listen.