Longevity

She

At 103

Is feisty and forgetful

Sweet and in good health

Not ready to go

Gently into that good night.

And I

Find myself wondering

About fate.

Why

A boy of 16

A child of 9

A young mother of 38

Pass from our lives

But she

She lives forever.

If I asked

She might loan those

Extra years.

Average them out

Twenty for you

So you could go to college

Get married and have babies, too.

Ten for you

So you could grow up

And play soccer.

Rocking in her chair

She wouldn’t miss them

Sometimes she knows

What day it is

Sometimes not.

I am certain

She would be

Happy to share.