Octogenarian

villanelle: a French form established in the sixteenth century that uses meter, rhyme, and a specific pattern of repeated lines.

Photo by Carlos N. Cuatzo Meza on Unsplash

Octogenarian

Growing old is not so very tender
gravity’s relentless pull to ground
and yet there is a kind of splendor

As the body falls apart, is spent, or
eventually ends up bed-bound
Growing old is not so very tender

The mind softens toward surrender
loses proper names, then nouns
and yet there is a kind of splendor

in hearts dropping their defender
stance, and softening into newfound— 
Growing old is not so very tender

Creakiness as time grows slender
physical challenges all around
and yet there is a kind of splendor

Courage is required as we’re rendered
Straighten tall, imagine your crown
growing old is not so very tender
and yet there is a kind of splendor