New England Diary

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The Unexamined Life May Be Well Worth Living

First appeared in Daily Nous

Lloyd always acts without thinking.
Reflection is hardly for him.
Lillian’s mind has been shrinking.
Dementia is making her dim.

Both find enjoyment in living.
So don’t be so ready to scoff.
Why are y.ou so unforgiving?
How harsh to be writing them off.

—Felicia Nimue Ackerman