There must be some mistake
I can’t be that old
Check the ledger again

The ledger is correct, sir
It is never wrong
And while you’re here
Here is your hourglass
Remember it is just an estimate
Based on our actuarial tables
But don’t worry
Your life is insured according to our records

But if my life is ensured
Why do I need an hourglass?

Next, please

Selected byNolcha Fox
Image credit:Paula Guerreiro

I am a retired entomologist/educator and have been writing poetry for a long time. It's only been in the last few years that I have taken it a little more seriously. I keep trying through writing to find new perspectives that reveal the layers of meaning that are always there, just below the surface of the obvious. I write because I enjoy it, and sometime it helps me understand the world and myself better.