Ruth Schreiber

ageing



now in my eighth decade

all my dues are paid



marriage and childbirth-- done

grandkids and greats-- a ton



friends and colleagues aplenty

more than I had at twenty



hobbies and good works abound,

as long as I’m healthy and sound



and herein lies the But--

who knows if I’ll make the cut?



every kvetch can cause worry

yet it’s better safe than sorry



so off to the doctor to check—

yet can’t be a pain in the neck



need to stay hopeful and up,

to see it half full—the cup,



remain engaged and stay humble,

stifle the whine and the grumble



be kind and warm, and smile

the future’s still mine—for a while



for the chopper could fall anytime

but at least I’ll have finished this rhyme!