You Will Know

Mike Bell/ January 10, 2016/ www.mikebellpoems.com/ 0 comments

You will know you’re truly old
when all dear friends are dead

I am citing Clive James –
quoted –
often misread

I will not be defined ‘old’
when my step forward is short
promenading with shuffles –
reduced stride –
slow-walk

You may presume I’m old
when my flat-repeat of words
are ‘politely’ ignored

Then I’m misheard – my verse

No –
I will never be old –
re-define your count of time

I will breathe in youth’s warm air
and avoid stiffened rhyme

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