Ode of a Humpty Grumpty

Ode of a Humpty Grumpty
Sonnet

Amazed by mewling stars untouched by time,
Still puking, young as ever, wise men don't fear
Old boney death. And age can be sublime
When shifted to the lean and slippered year,
That welcome bay of calm; though loss of sense
To music, passion, song and laughter, kiss
Of wife and daughters, sun and rain, commence
To haunt them now. No man's prepared for this.

Wrapped in vinegar and soft brown paper
Half his battling breadth; nevertheless, how
(Not why, or if) to applaud the lifelong caper
Is what preoccupies his gazing now
He knows no sages, no poets, no singing men,
Can put Humpty Grumpty together again.