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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>LETTING Go AND HOLDING ON<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>When winter comes, I clean my home<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>And turn to face Spring with a lighter load.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In old age, I need less<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Of life’s daily clutter:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Cherished books now sit on friends’ shelves<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Or hide like gems in library book sales.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>My size six jeans go to a thrift shop<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Along with my hope of being so slender again.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>My sofa and dishes will outlive me,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>And I don’t want the trendy coffeemaker my husband covets.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>What I long to keep slips through <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>my hands at an alarming speed:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>My husband sinks deeper into depression and pain.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Two more friends tell me of advanced cancers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Cats and dogs I still miss are ashes underground<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>But for Laurence who lovingly guides me<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Through life’s real and metaphorical mazes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I hold today in cupped hands, grateful for<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>One more day to fill with kindness<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>And prayers for all our aging selves.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>