I often hear,
“It’s tough getting old.”

I never hear
“It’s tougher not getting old”
because, I suppose,
those who might have spoken
from personal experience
are no longer with us.

I am becoming too familiar
with aches
pains
losses
loneliness
of ageing alone

All of which invite
my thought,
“It’s tough staying old”

And happy
healthy
unconditionally prosperous
elder wise
mindful
fully engaged
compassionately warm
win/win resilient

Anticipating this sufficient day
more than anxious
about tomorrow’s losses
pains
solitary encroaching disabilities,
dark nights.

That said,
staying old
feels much easier
and lighter
and brighter
and curiously mightier
than fighting
vying
trying to stay young.