Keeping the Monster at Bay

Slowly it seems inside each passing day

with barely a nod as we function and breath,

comes a new symptom that’s barely perceived

as the outer shell ages and starts to betray.

First to be noticed: the silver and gray

scattered amidst the red, brown or black;

blondes, a bit lighter, may fend this attack

yet with nary a blink, we survey.

Then subtle “crows feet,” or smile lines they say,

appear ‘round the eyes nose and mouth

and all that was once trim and perky goes south

as bowing to time, they obey.

Shortly thereafter pain starts to convey

the bones turning brittle and thin,

then brown spots appear on pale parchment skin

as the mind starts to wander and stray

Exacting his toll is this Reaper’s forte

and we are but pawns in his game

Will you slip blindly or fight to remain,

invoking your right to belay

while keeping the monster at bay.

© Ginny Brannan 2017