TTHIS SONNET MEANS MORE TO ME NOW THAN WHEN I WROTE IT

                       TO MY CHILDREN

When I am old, so very old I stink

Of unwashed underarms and brain cell death

So old I shake, my spine and stature shrink

I whistle quake and rattle with each breath

When I am old, so very old I drool

And age spots big as elephants appear

When I forget my name and act the fool

Talking too loud because I cannot hear,

Even when I'm angry, trapped in rage,

Become a miser, call each dime misspent,

When I am cruel and stupid in my age,

When I reject you, scotch your good intent

Remember, once I loved you of my will,

And in my heart of hearts, I love you still💗