I soberly behold the march of time
And observe its inevitable nature
I see the wrinkles deepening in my mothers eyes
And hear my fathers voice become weaker
I see the sterling hairs shine silvery in my red tresses
I see the fatigue in my husbands muscles from years of hard work
And it makes me sad, at first, for the imposing truth of mortality is evident
But it also fills my heart with profound joy
To have life at all and love so fierce
To hold the hands of my mother and father while they’re still warm
And enjoy the lingering days of my youth while I have it
To fully feel the embrace of my husband and his remaining strength
I swear to burn with life as long as I have it
And to love beyond reasonable comprehension while I still can
My life will not end with a flicker
It will end with a magnificent blaze of heat and unbridled love