No slackening

falterin' steps of age

        hop skip and stumble

leaning on cane which bows to gravity

        grave deterioration

this lack of resolve

        stiffed by pain . . .

oh come off it

        you sorry twit

tis not terra firmer you eye

        look up with level head

staunch and no slackening

        a . . . ten . . shun! eyes front, shoulders back!

let apes shamble

        yes plod on no sweat

so i am worn as loose chinstrap

        cheer up!   calls robin on top of form

wise is his song

to listen   brokendown and sore

        i can chortle   haw haw

sky through plane tree leaves peering

        generous beatitude   fortunate apertures

bidding lift spirits   humane gesture

        no denying

july mmxiii

july mmxiii