by Felicia Nimue Ackerman

“Amid the lamentations about America’s healthcare system, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last week reported some good news you might have missed. Lo, life expectancy in the U.S. hit a record [of 79 years] in 2024…”
—The Wall Street Journal

To die when you’re 79?
You’re thinking that sounds really great?
To me it is not all that fine,
Since I am now 78.