Thus Sobs A Senior Citizen

Thus Sobs A Senior Citizen

P K Routray

 

 

After sixty

comes a man’s seniority

to become a citizen senior

prone to commit an error

hence the relief from his service

turning from an expert to novice

with parting financial packet

to take care of his dwelling, drugs, and diet

till he lives on this earth

braving the old age wrath.

Time is all leisure.

Pinches him the memory of the joys of labor,

aura of the power of his pet chair

and subordinates who took his care.

Finds he solace in breeding his grandkid

being at times a horse or a cart or a pyramid

to bring down its frenzied mood with a fancied fun

lest it may burst into loud cry all on a sudden

embarrassing him with a scene beyond his comprehension.

“Once he was a fearsome magistrate” stands forgotten.

He prays and practices not to be a liability

on his offspring or on his forgotten society.

The science has stretched the human lifespan

with medication, implantation, surgery on the man

but living on a wheelchair and repeating the hospital stay

spending the entire fortune of life earned in a hard way

wretched becomes life and obnoxious is such an extension,

Silent is medical science to cancer, dementia, and Parkinson.

It is worth dying unaware shocking others to howl with tear

Hell is the death where you suffer and mercy prayers others offer.

First five years after the coronation

to adjust to a new life gets seasoned the person

coming down from the chair of a master power

to a piteous man who is allowed to rise at the late hour.

Turning deaf to the news of assignment to his inferior friend

once unwelcomed criticism, him, now does not offend.

Searches he out friends, places and makes up his daily routine

to earn peace of living avoiding on him any harsh scene.

Next five years addressing his health issues with medication

he spends time with other senior citizens as the companion.

Assemble they in a park's corner and gossip on topics varied

coming down in the age, in them youth, child and infant breed

from the discussions spur many cuisines with its aromatic spell

forbidden stuff tempt the most, doctor’s advice is sent to “Hell”.

Drinks and dinners follow often over fun in teenager’s spirit

Health upset, outraged spouse force promises “ Not to repeat”.

Spends time he for spiritual assimilations and social visit

often a friend in hospital or suffering at home needs it.

Next ten years, the mercy of the Lord shapes man’s destiny

With health as the major issue peeps family issues many

with drained out purse and physique he can help none

only pray to remain away from dementia and Parkinson.

spends he time most in indoor or outdoor of a hospital

praying for diagnosis and doctors’ views not to be lethal.

Next ten years at old age home under nurse’s care

smiling and sobbing with mates lucky are few to be there.

Rest are left to the kith and kin turning their love to hate

such long demand burdening them none can tolerate.

“Stop there” he prays to the Lord with utmost devotion

“The next ten years of this life should be kept beyond the horizon.”