Senescence Island

(A poem by Sal Godoij).

I’ve finally arrived at Senescence Island.

It took me eighty years to arrive here.

I wouldn’t say it was smooth sailing.

Monsters I’d to fight.

Storms kept me adrift.

Yet, I’m grateful for the Sea of Life

Which kept me scared for a while

With its profundity

Its immensity

But fed me.

I’m grateful for the stars that guided me

Through the vastness

The impassive horizon

For the moon that shone for me

In those lonely nights.

For the good winds that brought me here

Through agitated and calm waters

Through endless days

Endless nights

I’m grateful for them all.

And so, I’ve arrived.

I’m here, and no one noticed

My presence

My absence.

Still, even if no one listens

Old age turns you into a candid one.

You shall not carry the truth to your grave

That’s my commandment.

Once you arrive, like I did

To Senescence Island

You don’t notice much of what is outside

But what is inside

What is left in you is what I mean.

There is plenty of wine here

Wine I can no longer drink.

There is plenty of game around here

Too fast for me to hunt.

It doesn’t matter.

What I had to do, I did during my journey.

So here I’m now, lying on my back watching the stars

On the calm beach of Senescence Island

Listening to the song of the sea lapping at my feet

The smooth warm breeze caressing my face

Drying my tears.