OLD AGE
When waiting for the mailman
becomes the highlight of your day,
you know you’re getting old.
When you better wear a bib
to eat your mamaliga to protect you
from melted brindza running down
your chin, you know you’re getting old.
When it takes more than five minutes
to get up and out of your lazy chair,
you know you’re getting old.
When you no longer can hear
the doorbell or telephone,
you know you’re getting old.
When you’re grandchildren
refuse to play chess with you
because you can’t remember
what you’re doing, you know
you’re getting old. When you
can’t tell what day of the week
it is, you’re in big trouble.