When my beard is long and white
And I make people repeat themselves
To the point of shouting
I would like to say things that matter
And leave behind small talk
And observations drained of humour
I would prod you with my inevitable walking stick
Should you mention the dull weather
And yank you by the neck with its crook
Should your ears fail to hear to drink
From the well of my knowledge
Which will be as deep as space
And home to as many stars
I would also like to be a burden
To get in the way
To slow people down
To shout obscenities at parties
And drink too much
Perhaps strip naked
Get the other guests recoiling
And shacking their heads
And turning away their children
I know the toddlers would accept me
They who still feel at home in their own skin
They who have yet to learn
Everything it took me so long to forget
