Husband Turns 62, Feels Old

He's 62 today and feels it,

tired and achy, says he has no energy.

At work he rallies, instigates, makes it fun

for those with whom he works. They haven't

figured out he could have built their building

had he wanted to. No more early mornings

pouring concrete, baking in the sun, laying blocks and bringing home the bacon, which he almost never eats at home these days because of high cholesterol. Inside job, 

he should feel better than he does. 

The stress of life has worn him

down, there's that, of course, 

but maybe something more. 

I used to worry, make appointments, 

run the show, but no,

this is his health and life. 

I'll cook the food

he should be eating, 

but the rest is largely up to him.

As hard as he has worked

throughout his life,

he's earned a rest from

stress, from whatever and 

whomever he chooses, even
taking better care.

He's lost the vision of the

25-year-old who married me,

but that's okay. There's time

to try on 62, adjusting to

its fit. You won't be hearing
me complain, but I'll listen
if he wants to, offer help
as best I can.

(c) Ellen Gillette, 2013