“Small Voice, I know it’s been a while 

since we last spoke,” I say.

“Indeed,” Small Voice says. “Why

do you think that is?”

“Well,” I say, “You pretty much say 

the same thing over and over 

and you interrupt a lot.”

“Ah,” says Small Voice, “well, at least

we’re speaking again. Is

there something you need?”

“No,” I say, “I’m fine. It’s just

that I wish… I mean I’d like

for growing old to be easier.”

“Growing is never easy,” Small Voice says.

“I said ‘growing old’ not ‘growing’,” I say.

“It’s possible,” Small Voice says, 

“to grow old but not to grow. At least

you’re growing.”

“How do you know?” I ask.

“Just a minute ago you caught

yourself wishing again and

you made a shift,” Small Voice says.

“Thanks, Small Voice.” I say.

“Maybe I won’t let so much time pass 

before we talk again.”

Small Voice smiles.

                                                                                                                       JDG