Perspectives, a poem by David Garyan

Perspectives

Most people assume they will live into old age. I have come to see growing old as a privilege. —Elliot Dallen

Elliot Dallen was diagnosed with adrenocortical carcinoma in 2018, aged 29. He died on the night of Monday 7 September, the day this article was published. —The Guardian

First, the importance of gratitude. And if you can’t be thankful for what you now have, remember to lock the door when you leave— and take your wallet. Someone without a home will invite you over for dinner soon.

Nobody should lament getting one year older, another grey hair or a wrinkle. Instead, be pleased that you’ve made it. And if the color of your hair is so important to you, remember the kids who never had a chance to dip their brushes into paint.

So, be vulnerable and connect to others. And if you can’t be honest today, at least lie, but let your lie be so plain the plainest will believe in their beauty— let your lie be so pure even the snow will forget it’s/its cold for a moment.

Yes, do something for others. And should this day bless you with no empathy, donate to charity because it makes you feel better— let your ego be so big even broken mirrors will fear harming those down on their luck.

I’ll be gone soon, but humanity will still be faced with the huge challenge of reducing carbon emissions and saving habitats from destruction. And if, right now, morality becomes too great of a burden, clean the river today as if you’ll die of thirst tomorrow.

September 12th, 2020