Gaze upon this empty shell

But shed no tear

For it served me well.

There were many things

It couldn’t do

So I’ve slipped it off

Like a well-worn shoe.

When I wore it,

There was pain…

It got burned by the sun

And soaked by the rain.

When it got old,

It couldn’t run

Or hop and skip

Or dance in fun.

Chairs and beds

Had to be arranged

To keep it warm

When the weather changed.

Its hair thinned out,

And its eyes grew dim…

A burst of energy was

But a dreamy whim.

The body grew wrinkled,

But the brain increased.

Knowledge and wisdom expanded

As mobility ceased.

Life’s run is over now.

The spirit seeks a better place.

Time for the old body to rest,

But, wow, what a race!