On Growing Old

‘Father William’ . . . Pen & Wash: WHB

The magic has gone,
The shine has been dulled;
All’s not the same
Now life’s ardour has stilled.

Where once each day sparkled
With glamour and promise,
Now the vision is smeared,
A glazed image of bliss.

Yet there are so many gifts
Without which I’d perish.
Good friends and the memories
Of times which I’ve relished.

I’ll relinquish sad thoughts,
I’m still in fine fettle.
A rose is a rose
When it’s lost all its petals.