Daria Doering

Old age has overtaken me with a vengeance.

Every day my vision goes more out of focus.

Root canals have become common.

I now know why they have “women’s sizes.”

Sleep is now priority number one,

So I don’t go completely insane.

Stretching and exercise are priority two,

So my body doesn’t fall apart entirely.

I’ve stopped eating all sugar and refined foods.

I never thought I could do that before,

But you get to an age

When your body stops forgiving such transgressions.

It’s a decision, a commitment.

I keep telling myself:

My health, marriage and self-image

Are more important than eating a bunch of garbage.