knowing now that things can and do go wrong 

we grow old grateful 

for those few that are left so far unspoilt

aware, having to live again

and again past pain

that they can rot

and, given the nature of this world,

will. 

pruned by the vagaries of  a path and brought 

as at this moment

to a tart and welcome fruit, 

I, enduring, acknowledge

here and now

the courtesy of providence.

the bitterness of the rind 

the sweetness of an orange