OVE’S ODE

OVE’S ODE

“Old people look like birds,” he said –
A splendid senior man.
“It’s good for people to grow old –
The ageing helps them plan –

For they have long to travel yet
From here to other years –
Their blinking eyes anticipate
The higher atmospheres.”

He kindly showed me how to buy
My tickets for the train,
Then cycled off to Sweden’s trails
In sun – or cloud and rain.

“The need to eat beats politics,”
He taught at evening’s board.
“Will you please tell what you believe?
I’d like to know the Lord.”

(20 May 2009, Stockholm, Sweden)