i fear

i fear many things.

old age, for one.

losing my mind, or ability

to run

away.

i fear the cupboards being bare.

the money gone.

shoes with holes

in bottoms, stuck with

one pair.

i fear pain.

the loss of love.

i fear

gaining weight,

losing

hair,

too late.

i fear not remembering.

i fear

remembering.

i fear not reading

or writing,

but sitting by a window

with a distant

stare.

i fear tomorrow.

i fear today. of being ill.

i fear that so much time

has slipped away.

my mother, God rest her soul,

has taught me well.