Growing Old

Seated Girl Facing Front

by Egon Schiele

(1911)

Growing old.

What does it mean?

I think not, the stray grey hair

Trailing amid the careless black.

Or the shortness of breath

After a flight of stairs winding up to you.

The change happens deeper within
Silently but decidedly.

Forgiveness, a closed fist,

Wounds heal not quickly.

Belief darkly tainted

Smiles held hostage by gloom.

Love once abundant in the heart

Trudges heavily and uncertainly

The road to imminent doom.