Maybe my body
Had long been pining
To slow down.
I just didn’t want to listen.
Well, I’m listening now!

Now I observe the world
And people like myself
Through different lenses.
I am, literally,
Cataract free.

My understanding,
Like my vision,
Is stripped of the darkened glaze
Which hitherto obscured my view
Of people mis-shapen, old, infirm,
Doddery.

I am ready
To embrace the sagging flesh and weakened limbs
That dignify the ageing human frame.
Even, and most especially, my own.

I am part of the flow
That now is on the ebb.
In company with other mellow souls.
I am ready for the next dance.

(C) Danielle Jones (Teale) Dance, Collective IDentity, written by Julia Mansfield