The images of the elderly in Western societies are almost universally unflattering. Bent, broken, slow and clumsy — shuffling and dementing towards the black silence. Quick! Look away! No! Not us! No, we want the vibrant, quick and beautiful energy of Youth. The happy, bubbly party that never ends. …

Sunshine on a quiet day A gentle breeze blows my way Scent of pine A still blue lake Deep waters at my feet Thoughts of family fill my mind Precious memories out of time Happy laughs Crinkled smiles A thousand miles away Deep waters at my feet Deeper still the memories speak Voices come Visions go Warm winds of memory Lake George John Frederick Kensett The Met — www.metmuseum.org