I Don’t Intend to Gently
Fade Away

I don’t intend to gently fade away.

Though actuaries warn of coming night,

There’s still a tune or two I’d like to play.

A ripened cheese and glass of Chardonnay

Continue to beguile my appetite.

I don’t intend to gently fade away.

His hand on my bare shoulder can allay

The fear that passion’s finally taken flight.

There’s still a tune or two I’d like to play.

A grandchild’s poem or masterpiece in clay

Has not yet ceased to fill me with delight.

I don’t intend to gently fade away.

The world has much against which to inveigh,

But it remains beloved in my sight.

There’s still a tune or two I’d like to play.

I hope to see another spring’s array,

Another autumn’s slanted golden light.

I don’t intend to gently fade away.

There’s still a tune or two I’d like to play.