by Felicia Nimue Ackerman

“‘I’m acutely aware that I’m, you know, could go any day now but I don’t know why
it doesn’t concern me,’ [99-year-old] Van Dyke says. ‘I’m not afraid of it.'”
—The New York Times

I know we’re all supposed to say
We’re not afraid to die.
But when you claim to feel that way,
I want to ask you why.
You think it’s fine to step aside
Because your work is done?
No way I’ll take that as my guide—
I’m having too much fun!