End game

The signs are clear: Rosettes diminish as leaves drop earlier. Upper stems elongate thinly and branch less; the robust crown of yesterday now flaunted by mature neighbours.

Every species recognises its elderly by the unmistakable signs of the receding juices that had sustained vigour before.

Valorous efforts result in some long-leaved, last-gasp brag bits. Reclining isn’t casual anymore, clearly felt in the quiver tree equivalent of bones.

Embarrassment accumulates on the ground in plentiful discarded parts, glaringly absent from the feet of the neat young ones around. Determination never ceases during life. Some days, months or years will still be shared with offspring and comrades.