Old Enough

My eyes grow weary with the days. Ebbed of youthful looks, I dare not despair. I live my life alone now, surrounded by the loneliness. Time was all too quick to pass me by I was sure so much more needed to be done. My hands have long been discolored, mottled with spots. Disfigured by the work and the cold, they feel so weak. I still cook and do the wash, recall their lost softness. Age has crept into all of me, I no longer hold young ideas. My feet bear their burdens awkwardly unsteady. Crippled by arthritic pain, I walk with a store bought cane. I very rarely leave the house, welcomed sleep lets me forget. Days are much too long to endure my life I see television as my only friend left. My entourage of friends have preceded me in death. Drained of lifes full growth, its promised dreams gone. I depend upon myself, always been that way now I fear burdening anyone. Life treated me well in the past, so now, no real regrets. My heart has become physically weak. Loved well once by my lover and children, my own. I watched each go their separate ways, and suddenly here I am, alone. Old yes, but not beyond my years, life had long been mine. My soul became accustomed living one day at a time. Promised by dreams come true, only bright tomorrows. I was blind and full of fools hope and forced to bow to the plans of fate. Memory fades more easily now, so much is long forgotten. My days seem numbered now. Guided more by pain than fear I accept and feel my age each day, face the reality that I am no longer young I look forward wishfully for His way. My skies aren’t as blue as they used to be. Clouded by industry and building growth I doubt the progress they speak, read and heard things that are, and I must let them be. Generations seek their way, they will learn from mistakes. My sun is just a little dimmer today. Darkened by pain and age, let youth live their way. I accept things as they are, My life is fairly comfortable these days no want or need remains, almost boring. and at last I find, I am old enough. (Rewrite from 1971 for Mrs. B)