Laree posted a condolence
Monday, December 9, 2013
Look Closer – See Me!
What do you see when you are looking at me –
an old woman, not very wise?
Uncertain of actions, with far-away eyes,
who dribbles her food, and makes no reply
when you say in a loud voice: “I do wish you’d try!�
Who seems not to notice the things that you do
and forever is losing a stocking or shoe.
Is that what you’re thinking? Is that what you see?
Then – open your eyes, you’re not looking at me.
I’ll say who I am, as I sit here so still.
I’m a small child of 10, with a father and mother -
brothers and sisters who love one another.
A girl of 16 with hopes in her soul
dreaming to reach some challenging goal.
A bride soon at 20, my heart gives a leap
remembering the vows I promised to keep.
At 25, I have young of my own,
who need me to build a secure, happy home.
A woman of 30 – my young now grow fast,
bound to each other with ties that should last.
At 40 my children all grown – now are gone,
but my spouse stays beside me, and I do not mourn.
Look Closer – See Me!
At 50, once more babies play around my knee.
Again we know children, my loved one and me.
Dark days are upon me, my husband is dead.
I look at the future; sometimes shudder with dread -
for my young are all busy with children of their own
and I think of the years and the love I have known.
I’m an old woman now; and nature is cruel
to sometimes make old age look like a fool.
The body just crumbles; grace and vigor depart.
The eyesight is failing and slow is my heart.
But inside this old “self� - a young girl still dwells.
And now, again, my battered heart swells.
I remember the joy; I remember the pain
and I’m loving and living life all over again.
So open your eyes - open and see
not just an old woman – look closer – see me!
