His Psyche

He thinks of himself as
imperishable, capable yet of
meeting all challenges, his
attitude not much changed
over the decades. I also think
of him as indomitable in resolve,
his capacity and sagacity in
problem solving that of a
man of action. Yet I know 
there is one problem of existence
no one, not anyone has ever
solved for old age visits
everyone unbidden, and its
implacable companion, death
hovers close by the side of
those of venerable years. Yet
he remains adamant, he will do
what he avers must be done,
as he sees it. My equally adamant
response now has hardened to
over my dead body. For that
is what I prefer, to myself
perish than confront him
laid out on a funeral bier.