As I sit in my patio and watch time fly by,
I often laugh aloud and sometimes heave a sigh.
I know I shape my world myself; I do this all the time.
I can make it full of angst or make it sublime.
With that in mind, I look at myself, at what I think & do,
And this is what I've thought - and I offer it to you:
I won't grow old with a jowl or a scowl, but with a smile that warms hearts.
I won't grow old giving advice to all, showing off my age-old smarts,
But with understanding that shows I care, and I'm there for my friends & kin.
I'll keep making efforts to stay healthy, neither obese, nor too thin.
The middle path, that's for me, no extremes any more.
I won't be the life of the party, nor will I be a bore.
I'll keep learning new things, just to keep my mind alive.
I'll stay curious & creative; I'll never lose that drive.
I'll volunteer wherever I can, give of myself whatever's of use.
When I come to a fork in the road, the 'good' one I'll choose.
I'll avoid those who cast a cloud and will stay with the loving & kind.
I'll seek the company of spiritual ones who always soothe my mind.
I'll forgive many a time but won't be a pushover ever.
I'll use my brains and see through those, who try to be too clever.
I've played the game of power & pelf, but it's no longer for me.
I want to age gracefully and I want to be as free,
As the birds I hear singing, and the squirrel climbing the tree.
That I see, as I do my crossword, and sip my morning tea.
Kishore Asthana
10.12.25