New verse by Wellington writer Rachel McAlpine.
But when?
Most of us are afraid
of a slow fade,
a late grave.
Most of us equate old age
with panic and despair
and things we could not bear.
We say, Not us! No way!
We want to be hit by a bus.
… But when?
Most of us blaze through middle age.
Much later, we mellow.
Less yellow. More grey.
And later still, we fade.
Then death is subtle
and dying is wise.
I asked my sister, When
will I be ready to die?
She answered, When you die.
Rachel McAlpine, 2018
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