Stand up straight
An old refrain,
My voice no longer
Strong enough for singing
Or maybe I no longer care to sing

My back is damaged
Like an old ladder
Cracked and weak
The steps are no longer safe
Not much good for reaching

Pulling weeds
Though still required
The yard is begging
For my attention
I try to balance need with pain

Hips so stiff
Like old gate hinges
Or rusty pliers
Someone left out in the yard too long
They feel better when they move

Eyes blurred
Like old lenses
Smudged with greasy fingers
It’s only cataracts or something like it
Or just the meds your taking