Today.

Authors note... several have expressed concern for my state of mind after reading this poem.  It's wonderful to know I have people who care that much for me.  That said, this is a poem that celebrates the gifts we gain with age.  It's impossible to appreciate those gains, except we see them in a context of what we've lost.  Life, lived on the growing edge, is a two steps back three steps forward winning proposition.  

Today empty nest, too quiet.

Today weakness, a familiar face.
Today confidence, morphs to doubt.
Today strength remains, ravaged by age.

Today profile weathered with time, hair a pensive memory

Today independence is community.
Today knowledge is wisdom.
Today love is tenderness.
Today time is precious.

Today HELP stopped being a four-letter word.