All the horrors of ageing,

all the softness of time.

 

All the love lines of living,

all the furrows of growth.

 

All the memories of youth

all the years we have loved.

 

All the work we have done,

all the fine children raised.

 

All the animals nurtured,

All the plants fertilized.

 

All the flowers plucked,

all the weeds, fiercely pulled.

 

All the years fully lived,

all the laughter shared.

 

All the friends also ageing,

all the understanding and smiles.

 

Many thanks to you all,

for ignoring my faults.

 

Both of them !

 

Amen.

 

 

David Garlick, Sidney, October, 2009