Volume 14, Number 82, December 2011/January 2012
Haying Time
by Robert J. Patmore

In the twilight of my years,
Constantly beset by fears,
Comes a ringing on the phone.
Suddenly I’m not alone.

Son or daughter or good friend,
Voices through the gloom transcend.
Focus sharpens as we talk;
Secrets of our hearts unlock.

Life is change, and change is hard,
Mentioned often by the bard.
Every man an island, true?
Not when friends reach out to you!

In the darkness of the night,
Demons, hiding from the light,
Creep into my restless brain,
Menacing, creating strain.

Dawn arrives, and brings fresh hope.
Devils banished, I can cope;
Keep anxiety at bay;
Try to live a care-free day.

Not for sissies is old age;
With youth gone, the final stage.
Life, though sweet, can be unfair.
Think I’ll phone a friend, and share!