Hanging Around

Old and slowly, obviously,
Is the body’s preferred way
To die, and up to a point,
At least, it is more dignified.

The immortality seekers
Are really mostly about youth—
How long can you stay young before
You die? They won’t be satisfied.

Someone as youthful at sixty
As most bodies are at thirty
Will never be itching to go.
The longer you’re youthful, the more

Years you get it into your head
To live. True immortality
Your head can’t get around at all.
Meanwhile the body falls apart

Microscopically, cell by cell,
Little slower, little faster.
If nothing strikes you to the ground,
You’ll go by hanging around.