It is the destiny of all
from embryo of nano span
to sprightly centenarian,
that dying will complete known life,
in close down, round off, wind, wrap up,
skintight conclusion of our race.
That package held in exoderm –
tools fuelled by blood, food, oxygen,
skeletal shape of armature,
its fleshly dress, as circulate,
topped mystery of mindfulness –
forms wonder of our humankind.
This type tipped by its spirit guide,
from cruel to kind, all in between,
as moulded, instinct, history,
matures for good or ill, as taste
fine wine, mold cheese or rotten fruit.
These aged bones have known that range
as skin and time have taken toll;
notes for the ageist, potent youth –
whatever been, what will become?
Stephen Kingsnorth (Cambridge M.A., English & Religious Studies), retired to Wales, UK, from ministry in the Methodist Church due to Parkinson’s Disease, has had pieces curated and published by on-line poetry sites, printed journals and anthologies, including Poetry Potion. He has, like so many, been nominated for the Pushcart Prize and Best of the Net. His blog is at https://poetrykingsnorth.wordpress.com