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

17 comments
Selected byNolcha Fox
Image credit:Paula Guerreiro
Raymond Huffman

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 have written hundreds of poems, but still don't consider myself to be an accomplished poet. 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. Some of the poets who have influenced me are W.S. Merwin, Ted Hughes, Dylan Thomas, and Galway Kinnell. However, lately, I agree with what the Poet Laureate Kay Ryan said: "I have tried to live very quietly, so I could be happy...It seems like many people think that if you drive yourself crazy, then you can write. I wanted to see what a fortunate life would produce. What writing would come out of this mind that didn't try to torment itself."