Another Birthday

Barely alive in the flesh of this transient body,
I wonder if I'll ever see immortality.
I lie here in this bed for days on end,
taking pills to prolong the life they try to defend.

Fosamax for my bones
Clarinex for my nose
Zocor for my veins
Azor for my membranes
Topamax for my migraines

I take so many pills to assure my life;
it seems I'll never reunite with my wife.
For today is another birthday to be stacked,
One hundred and twenty to be exact.

Another birthday and alone I celebrate,
for all my friends are gone and in the grave.
In solitude, I count the years gone by,
and wonder how many more years I have to brave.

Editor's Pick in the Poetry Newsletter 2/21/12