The Fear of Becoming Irrelevant

I am afraid

of aging

because with

age, we’re told

that our skills will

lose their market value.

*

I am afraid

of those younger

than me because they

can easily replace me,

just for being faster, young,

and easier to deal with when

money gets involved.

*

I am afraid

that my opinions

will begin to sound

dated; however, with

each passing trend, I think

my thoughts are already outdated.

*

I am afraid

that when I speak,

people will listen politely

instead of with genuine interest.

*

I am afraid

of becoming someone

who is no longer useful.

*

I am afraid

of becoming someone

who can no longer bring

strength or happiness to others.

*

This fear

affects how

I spend my time.

*

It affects

what I study,

how often I check

the news, and how I

measure my worth.

*

The central concern

is not aging itself; we

can’t stop that.

It’s the possibility

that I will still be alive

but no longer relevant.