I used to be concerned about heart death.
My father and grandfather had bum tickers
and my blossoming weight promised me problems
in that vicinity as well.

I take medications to protect me
from such issues
and I think I may be safely squared away
from that particular quadrant.

Now what worries me most
is the loss of wits.
Brain death is on my mind
as slowly, surely
I lose things
that were once dear.

Keys, names, stories,
things are disappearing
over and again
and if I recover them
I do not know it.

Heart death?
When was that ever my problem?
Brain death!
That’s the thing!
Get it out of here,
or I’ll, I’ll…
what?!