SOLILOQUY AT SEVENTY

                                   Suppose I lived to ninety four   
                                 Or who could tell, it may be more
                                    I hope I never have to say
                                  Why didn't I start that yesterday

                                    In retrospect from ninety four
                                  To grieve for wasted years of yore
                                  When I thought I had too little time
                                 To learn and grow, expand and climb

                                 When thirty years have slipped away
                                         I hope I never have to say
                                Such wasted time, hours, days and years
                                     Wasted with hesitations, fears
                                    Lack of confidence, too much T V
                                   Can that procrastinating soul be me

                                      I must start to change my ways
                                    Before the next great growing phase
                                      The wings of time are ever fleet
                                    And efforts grow and challenge sweet   

                                     I'll read and write, create and do
                                   Keep vital although days seem few
                                 Life's next great stage will surely come
                                      I'll not sit back and ho and hum 
                                     and watch the passing of the days
                                   With mind a-blank and eyes a-glaze

                                 The creaking hinge hangs long they say
                                       Oh yes, that's it, I'll start today. 

                                                    Christabel Fergie


                                                Christabel lived to 99.