TELL-TALE SIGNS
Long-time married ninety-year old couples
know better than anyone that each day may be their last.
They become body and mind sleuths,
scrutinizing each other for clues
as to exactly how they will lose their mate.
Old bodies like to grow things, so every new
blemish or growth must be examined microscopically.
Memory loss and changes in speech are viewed suspiciously.
Loss of balance, breath or bodily functions
that no longer work are always cause for alarm.
They cling to each other as if they will never let go—
a soothing comfort they can easily provide for each other.