Gathering Rust

Metal and houseplant metaphors are weak
for the body loses cells the old fashioned way
death! and you have heard of it
the sickle has it out for you
something like seven years
and you don't become lockjaw
there is much to evade 
some to avoid
and buses to watch out for
but if there's a little food
a cup of water
and a sleep, night or day
flourishing is at hand
and your rolling bones
will gather less than rust
and more than moss.