Old age smiles slyly

from behind the glass doors

of the glass shelves

where homes youth and childhood pride

hanging precariously

unaware of time’s assaults

and its irreversible actions

reactions to which are limited only to imagination

a sachet of youth surreptitiously named blossoms

a range of lip dyes to brighten nights

a bottle of sandal wood oil

unctions of many kinds

contraptions to recreate fascination

for sagging body parts

energizers, revitalize-rs, augmenters

and a roll of pain relief bandage called

Medigrip Capsicum Elastic Bandage

reminders of unpaid insurance premiums

impending hospital bills

as good as new dresses

refrain of old good times

slurring speech

a distant look

a balding head

and a wagging dog tail.