In The Natural Order Of Things (Poetry)

One of them will have to go first —
there will be no choice about it and
for the one who’s left behind
life alone will be a struggle
because they’ve always been together.

This couple said their vows more than
sixty years ago — and having no children
they live for each other — entirely
devoted. Now both in their eighties
still loving and caring — ’though older and frailer
not knowing which will go first.

A well-matched pair — like battered
favourite shoes with a lifetime of wear and
the journey not done
and yet they plod on while
the road’s ever-harder to walk.

Companionship gives them
the strength and the will for
such love has sustained them in
heart and in spirit — where
one goes the other
                        will follow
                                them home.

Meanwhile the days that
remain grow fewer
                                and fewer...
They cross off the calendar —
watch the months pass
and I wonder how often
they look at the hour — each one
hoping they won’t be
last.