THE TIMELESS COUPLE

His face is weathered, his beard long and gray.
His nose is prominent, hands and fingers gnarled.
His top hat is the only elegant piece of clothing he owns.
He frightens me.

He walks among us daily, but is only
recognized once a year.
He makes me look inside myself,
and I don't always like what I see.

  His wife can be even more cruel
  but she is acceptable to me.

At day's end, while Auld Lang Syne echoes,
Father Time and Mother Nature sit on the beach,
listen to the roar of waves, sip vintage champagne,
exchange a kiss, and plan our lives for another year.

GILDA KREUTER

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