Gone forever

My friend—Many years from now

By the time I know myself better,

I will have grown very old.

I will have exhausted all the excitements of life.

Dark circles will appear under my blood-flecked eyes.

Clear lines and folds will appear on my timeworn face.

Deep line wrinkles will appear when I smile.

My body will become weak limping unsteadily.

Maybe I’ll need a crutch to support my slender body.

I will suffer.   I’ll be skinny to the bone.

Will I be taken care of when I need the most? I will never know.

When death comes knocking at my door,

Will anyone ever be around me? I wouldn’t know.

I won’t respond and,

Your repeated attempts to reach me will fail.

By then, I will have gone, my friend.

To be laid to rest forever.