Ageing--Go Not Quietly I am saying my farewell to the earth. Slowly, day by day, as it spins in its everlasting circles. Each night I lose the stars one by one. The romantic moon long ago lost to me. Now I close the shutters on my bedroom window Keeping out the fresh light of a welcoming springtime. This moment is for goodbyes. The earth has taken my parents My siblings and my friends. They are lying in its hungry dust. Back to where they began. In sleep it seeks me a piece at a time. I awaken locked in a fight to the death for my body. We enjoy a small ceasefire For coffee and toast. Where I quietly reclaim all of me that I can. I open the patio doors. The sunlight pours onto me like a waterfall. The sun kissing my neck like an ardent lover. My heart kisses it back. And I live to fight for one more day.