An Old Man’s wish for life

Even though I am old and my bones are weary & creaking.

My soul nurtures a wish for life; it wants to give it everything.

It wants to live more, for yearning still holds court in my heart.

Even though my body has given up, my mind wants a new start.

You may ask me, “Why do you have this yen for life at your age?”

I would answer my friend, “My work here is undone, on this stage.”

I have much more to learn, much to see, accomplish and achieve.

You may think of it as greed but it’s not what you perceive.

You see, my mind is a vessel that has fathoms of depth.

Even in my weary & aged body, it is active, has not slept.

It goads me to not give up, to fight the sway of time.

It reminds me that there is learning, even past our prime.

That is why I harbor this wish to not give up, to not sigh.

Even though I know that I tire easier, my end is nigh.

But the spirit that resides in my soul does compel me.

It Says, “Don’t give up. I can give you 10 reasons, you see.”

“What reasons do you offer?” I ask my interest piqued.

It says, “Why some books remain unread; destinations untraveled.

The mysteries of the universe, you have still not unraveled.

There is joy in reminisces, you will surely discover;

These aches and pains you feel, bah! You will recover.

There are sunsets & sunrises to be seen on the horizon;

Songs to be heard. Yes even your old fashioned version.

So do not give up now whilst life still beckons.”

I listen to it, I pay attention and I heed what it says

For from my innermost depths these thoughts do surface.

These are pearls of wisdom that my subconscious has given.

My Lord! To motivate me, how hard it has striven.

The least I can do is try and honor the work that it has done.

Maybe I try a bit harder to survive, in an effort to learn?

So, now I have 10 reasons and more why I choose not to sigh.

I have miles of mileage left, before I eventually give in and retire.

Image – JD Mason via unsplash