Seventy-seven-year-old Ravi Nirbal has pioneered a movement, one that gives voice to seniors through his poetic prose. Nirbal contends that literature, art, religion and tradition emphasize the negative aspects of aging, those of physical and mental decline. But is this true or have we all just been programmed to look at aging in this context? Nirbal believes that seniors are inventing new ideas and are becoming exhibitionists in claiming love, sex and a voracious zest for living. In this context, he criticizes forced retirement, which he feels lowers self esteem. He urges a return to old-fashioned family values from present-day selfish individualism. His poems interweave Hindu traditions with modern ideals. Comparing aging with the beauty of autumn, Nirbal sees fall's flamboyant colors and crisp, clean air as metaphors for the elderly. In his words: "Old age is not a curse, but nature's boon reserved for selected ones." So reject the metaphors that demean those over 50 and embrace that seniors are bravely facing the future with intelligence, grace and wisdom. Nirbal's stunning book is a landmark poetic masterpiece that dares to celebrate the wisdom and grace of our eldest. Ravi Kumar Bandhu Nirbal is a retired vice principal and history teacher. He lives in India and the United Kingdom. Publisher's website: www.eloquentbooks.com/LastLightOfTheBurningCandle.html