Of Human Will and Endurance...

This writing came out of quote about 'vulnerability' that I happen to read in Time magazine while seated at a doctor's office during one of the many appointments for my aging parents;

...of Will
(Vulnerability: is like that moment when you
see your father catching his breath on the stair
and you realize that someday he will die...)

Will the lapse of a Man
be known prior to his self-inflicted
collapse?
Will a Man know when his bell
has toll?
Will he hear its knell?
Will he endure to listen
to its sonant ring?
Will a Man know to lean
before his cane–
before his crutch–
is made palpable to him?
Or, will he just fall into his chair
that’s wheeled, (his chariot with wings)
assign to him,
by some nurse in charge...