Old Age

Like a child in the grip of life
Tossed upon a sea of infirmity
Precious gifts
Given back
To He who gave them
Like a tree – the leaves of life
Fall away and bare the branches
Old and withered...
To the cold

A mother’s babe
So soft and smooth
A tiny soul
An old man
Hobbling alone
Can the two...
Have ever been the same?

Memories cherished of long ago
Dream-like days
And painful nights
Visitors of old come in broken sleep
The days come and go
What joy is this
In being old
And alone?

Making tea for one -
Going to the cupboard
To find utensils
One of each
‘Cos no one ever calls
Remembering…..
When I was young and strong
And laughter lived
For that short time
In my life
But now the smooth babe
That I was, is now...
Wrinkled and old

1969