I don’t know when it happened
I never saw it coming,

taught tanned skin replaced by soft, saggy folds
thick dark hair given over to salt and pepper straw
bones that could withstand concrete now barely keep me standing

I don’t know when it happened and I never saw it coming
a sharp mind with impeccable memory
now clouded in confusion and daily medications
the chest of hair proud like a lion now scarred from surgery
strong feet that marched and danced and played
now calloused, hard and smelly
Hands that threw, and gripped and punched
can hardly open a jar without assistance

I don’t know when it happened
I never saw it coming
and the eyes like an eagle that could spot obstacles in the distance
now strain to read the paper or recognize a familiar face

Ah but the voice remains
It sings and prays and laughs still and has power with my children
it can still softly supply the sexuality of my intent
and argue politics of the insane and misinformed
it still speaks of hope and joy and the future
I don’t know when it happened and I never saw it coming.
I grew old in an instant

Michael Erdman  
May, 2011