New verse by Wellington writer Rachel McAlpine.

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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