Being old
is a surprise,
varicose veins,
unknown bruises
& thin skin,
fear of dementia
& being forgotten,
endless loss
of loved ones,
death as a lately
new companion,
totally fatigued
by distractions,
beauty in disguise
everywhere,
regrets fading,
hints of wisdom
awakening at last,
doctors’ appointments,
afternoon naps,
still dreaming dreams,
blessing of ambiguity,
immersed in mystery
more than ever,
flabby ideas of God
reduced to a lean
& powered simplicity,
waiting patiently
for the bird of dawn
in the midst
of dark nights
for the ages.
Dr. Alan Altany has BA & MA degrees in Catholic theology, and a Ph. D. in religious studies (University of Pittsburgh). After an academic career, he is a semi-retired professor of Comparative Religions at a small college in Florida. He writes with the steadfast support of his golden retriever, Zeke.