Because I have produced no offspring
it’s not clear who will take care of me
when I fall ill in my later years.

For a while I was fairly certain
I wouldn’t have later years
so it wouldn’t be much of a concern
but I’m taking better care of myself
so it’s something to think about.

My mother, bless her,
has reached out to her younger friends
to ensure that they’ll look out for me
as I enter decrepitude over the coming decades.
Some with children have agreed
to check if I’m still breathing
every now and then.

It is here that I pronounce my relief.

I have begun to take care of myself.
Maybe I will begin to build
the social network that will be there
when I grow weak
and we will have each other’s backs
into the twilight.

We will have to see.
If not, I need to have a different plan in place.