Just As I Am

Hunched over a softening spine
Lens replacements disposing of specs
Hearing aids whistling behind the ears
Ill-fitting dentures blunted by the years
 
A metal stent to open the coronary
The inguinal canal patched with Teflon, 
Grey matter slowed up and disappearing fast.
Knuckles distorted, stiff and nobbly,
The right knee replaced but still quite wobbly
 
Here I stand jangling my pills
Before the Lord of creation, wondering
Whether I’m worth anything these days,
But accepted alongside others less than perfect
And incomplete - just as I am.

August 2011