Not once but twice this week
A moment of surprise followed by dismay
The realization of an empty-headed mistake
Doing what used to be automatic
Something not packed I was sure I packed
Missing a credit card not handed back
Not in either case causing real trouble
Only the distress of an unforced error
Symptoms of decline if you ask me
But excusable if you want to dismiss it
As each happened at the end of a busy day
In the fog of fatigue that comes with age
And so I must learn to know my limits
As the extent of my abilities slowly contracts
Accepting the things I cannot change
Doing what I can to slow the progression
Knowing what is important
Letting go of the rest
Getting on in years gives perspective
Just when we need it most
