New verse by Wellington writer Rachel McAlpine.

 

But when?

 

Most of us are afraid

of a slow fade,

a late grave.

 

Most of us equate old age

with panic and despair

and things we could not bear.

 

We say, Not us! No way!

We want to be hit by a bus.

… But when?

 

Most of us blaze through middle age.

Much later, we mellow.

Less yellow. More grey.

 

And later still, we fade.

Then death is subtle

and dying is wise.

 

I asked my sister, When

will I be ready to die?

She answered, When you die.

 

Rachel McAlpine, 2018

---

The Spinoff Review of Books is proudly brought to you by Unity Books.