OLD AGE

Fatigue binds my eyelids and tightens my eyes, 

so they do not see your dear face. 

Hands have weakened from tireless work, 

so clumsiness has taken over in them. 

Unable to serve with honor and to earn their peace. 

From the long path of life, 

legs have begun to give out 

and to create problems for the body, 

and to inflict pain in the soul of my being. 

My dear old age, you come to me from behind, 

go, I beg you, away. 

I know that you come for what is yours 

and I know that this body is yours. 

Do not torment my soul, 

which does not belong to you, 

let it go, to let the light pass its rays 

and to allow the heart a rest. 

Oh, my dear old age, 

must you come to me right now. 

Know that it drives a knife into my heart. 

Oh, old age, my dear old age.

Maja Milojković was born in Zaječar, Serbia. She is the deputy editor at “Sfairos” publishing house in Belgrade, Serbia.  She is the vice-president of the association “Rtanj and Mesečev poetski krug”.  She is the author of 2 books: “The Circle of the Moon” and “Trees of Desire” She is the editor of the International Anthology “Rtanjski stihopevi” One of the founders of the poetry club “Area Felix” from Zaječar, Serbia and the editor of an international e-magazine for creative literature and culture “Area Felix”.