The true question

by Joyce Ten Have

The question
comes to me,
about
a true gardener
a true doctor
a true maintenance man;
my father;
my aunt Jean's brother.
I watched my dad grow old
when he was 55
he turned 65.
His hair grew white
he stopped playing tennis.
Today he is 76
and has acted 65 until now.
Now I see his hands grow clumsy
like my aunt's.
He has fallen four times this past
fall and winter.
My dad is turning older
in front of my eyes.
I don't know what age
he is growing older in
but it shakes me.
What could I do,
but pray
for old age to be gentle on him?
Dear Jesus, please.