Tempo

Slowly he drives, irritating

those whose reflexes are quicker,

those who want desperately

to get wherever they are going.

Most things are slower now.

Deliberation replaces desperation

He reaches things just beyond his grasp,

knocking over what's nearer at hand.

Reaching lengthens cramped

arthritic joints, brings its own purpose

to the table. Senility sits to the left

of dementia--domino tiles click--

as they shed the extra coats

they've worn as winter turns

to summer and they lose

the board on which they play.