a conversation about death

we know we’re old when we sit & talk about death
as if it’s a friend we might meet round the next bend

what do we fear
not death itself

only the empty spaces if
we’re not the first to leave life

what will we do then
who will we talk to &

hold in our arms curve
we’ll fall in love with nostalgia

yet with luck what we see & hear today
will be there tomorrow

this morning’s sun-whisper picks out
a luminous white speck in the distance

Tiritiri Matangi’s lighthouse
old friend

we’re all
tossed about in that wind

sue fitchett

Sue Fitchett is a conservationist, volunteer fire fighter & Waiheke Islander.  Authored Palaver lava queen (AUP: 2004), On the Wing (Steele Roberts: 2014) and Between (The Cuba Press 2025).  Co-author or editor of several poetry books & anthologies.  Work has appeared in various publications in Aotearoa/New Zealand & overseas & exhibited in art shows. Louis Johnson Bursar 2001-2002.