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

The Spinoff Review of Books is proudly brought to you by Unity Books.

The Spinoff Review of Books is proudly brought to you by Unity Books.