Tutu

I would grow old as you are old, Tutu,
Seasoned with loving, mellow with gracious giving,
I would have hair like your grayed hair, Tutu,
Each silver thread a service stripe of living.

I would have eyes like your kind eyes, Tutu,
The veil of tears pierced by gay laughter’s twinkle,
I would have lips that smile like yours, Tutu,
A line from Life’s rich story in each wrinkle.

I would look back as you look back, Tutu,
Remembering all the good, the rest forgetting,
I would face death as you face death, Tutu,
Grateful of heart, undaunted, unregretting.