Gerontology

It was her turn to speak
at the Conference On Gerontology

In a small conference room
full of Gerontologists from around the world
- some young, some old, some floating uncomfortably in the in-between -
it was her turn to present
- neither young, or old, but not a floater, either -
present her life study's results

She came to the lectern
placed her notes on its sloping top
adjusted the mic to her height
she took a deep breath

- "Speak before you think" she thought
"because if you think
you may forever remain silent..." -

and she proceeded opening her speech with a joke...