Will You Love Me Then

When the body is old
And out shape,
And the hair thins,
And the teeth shake,
Will you love me then?

When the hair is gray
From years well spent,
And the back is arched,
And the knees are bent,
Will you love me then?

When the tummy pouches
And the belly bulges,
As wrinkles surface
And the chin nudges,
Will you love me then?

When steps are shortened
As gait slows,
And strength diminishes
As weakness grows,
Will you love me then?

With eyes on the table
And teeth in a glass,
While together
Reminiscing the past,
Will you love me then?

When I grunt getting up
And groan sitting down,
And it takes me an hour
To turn around,
Will you love me then?

Will you love me
Through storm and rain?
Through joy and sorrow?
Poverty or gain?

Through sickness and health
To life’s uncertain end—
Will you still love me?
Will you love me then?
© 1996 Walterrean Salley

© 2022 Walterrean Salley