The end of the day is drawing near;

The winter of my life: so cold, white, and barren.

The night is constantly pressing onward,

Dark is folding me in its wings.

Calling, softly insisting, inviting.

The tug (like that of the moon on the sea) it lulls.

  
Moving slowly towards it...

Closer....


I pause.


A small light has made itself known

What is this? What will happen? I wait.

Slowly starting to see something: pictures- moving like a movie?

Yes, I remember! These are my memories: what little is left of my world.

There are so many pictures: some good and bad, happy or sad,

Everything in between.



Spring:


Childhood days of fun and play, sports with dad in the yard,

Ice cream days with Grandpa,

And Grandma’s stories.

Tuck-ins, and good night kisses, momma cooking (YUM!)

And teenage years- full of rebellion and independence:

Searching high, low, everywhere. For identity and who I am.



Summer:


The joy! The burning passion! Of life and love in their prime.

So many changes of both bad and good: girls, loves, and many heart breaks.

Marriages.

Children.

(What a Roller-Coaster!)

Playing cards and drinking with “The Guys”

So busy being a good husband and (hopefully) a great dad.

Playing sports in the yard with my kids

Like my father did with me when I was young.



Fall:


The kids have gone off to college now...

Starting lives of their own.

Been to many a marriage and too many funerals

Of friends.

And people whose lives were cut short.

(they died so young….)

Relaxing at home and traveling too.

The kids now come to visit a few times a year.


Slowing down...


Coming         to                        r  e  s  t…. *



(ooooh: the midday nap in the worn comfy chair on the porch)

So nice and soft- sink in and slip away *(ahhh…)



Winter:


To end where we began:

Grandpa.

Treating grandkids to movies, ice cream (like my grandpa did with me).

Grandma’s passed away, a cane, still at home trying to stay sharp.

Trying

(and failing....)

Things blur and blend as the body falls apart- eyes, ears, legs, mind (a few).

Darkness of age clouds my being. Outlook is bleak and things are looking grim...



Never Surrender! And so-



I fight!

(or try)


But it’s no use...

So warm...

inviting....

I accept the end and what will very soon be.


The pictures stop. No more light. I step.


Still closer now



Feeling the pull. The pulse: as if the dark is alive! I step.

Standing at the edge of darkness. 1 breath and I step.

I am here. I smile: it is all over! Peace at last.




.....

p...e...a...c...e...