Last Independence - edit2, title change

[dukealien]

Last Independence


Will this be my last Independence Day
of vaunted solitary life
on two feet, two pedaled wheels
before a cane puts in its spoke,
then walker-shuffling starts–
lame, nudging ruptured tennis balls?

If science can’t eternalize our youth,
it should at least secure us
unexpected passing in our sleep–
mistaking that first meeting with Saint Peter
for another routine dream
of disappointed father-figures.

Please, not those months of intubated drowning
and dementia which can’t even form
a reasoned willingness
to end.

Last Independence Day


Will this be my last Independence Day
of vaunted solitary life
on two feet, two pedaled wheels
before a cane puts in a spoke
or walker-shuffling starts:
lame, nudging ruptured tennis balls?

If science can’t eternalize our youth
it should at least learn to ensure
unexpected passing in one’s sleep
mistaking that first meeting
with Saint Peter for a routine dream
of disappointed father-figures
without months of intubated drowning
and dementia which can’t even form
a reasoned willingness
to end.

original version;

Last Independence Day (July 4th, 2018)


Will this year’s be my final Independence Day
my last of vaunted solitary living
life on two feet or two pedaled wheels
before a cane puts in a spoke
or six-point walker-shuffling starts:
two soft shoes
squeaking rubber stoppers
and a pair of ruptured tennis balls?

If science can’t maintain us young eternally
it should at least learn to ensure
an unexpected passing in one’s sleep
mistaking that first meeting with Saint Peter
or his boss for ordinary dreams
of disappointed teachers and commanders
without months of intubated drowning
and dementia fearing life
which can’t even form a willingness
to end.