After a certain point . . . when? . . .
it seems we age at different paces.
See Parkinson’s effect on Don:
scientist, revered professor,

he struggles to say hello
or even hold a fork.
Then there’s dementia—
see what it’s doing to Jan:

once a nurse in the military,
her sweet smile belies her absence.
Supporting them in countless ways,
their spouses hover, preventing a spill,

stopping a fall, pulling them halt-
ingly into our conversations.
Granted some uncertain reprieve,
the rest of us reside in a separate

if temporary space:  we still
hike and bike, fuss over diets,
watch our weights, work puzzles,
grumble about investments,

tout our exercise routines,
attend classes on poets and wine.
Unspoken though amongst us all,
we’re only steps behind:

any one, then all of us,
about to join. We hope,
when we do, we’ll equal them
in their dignity and courage.

– Douglas Twells