For Those of Many Years

Faces of older ones may be wrinkled, I confess,
but with many years of life they've been blessed.
Each smile and helping hand they have offered
is returned to them by memories in their coffers.

My heart is saddened by those who speak ill
of grannies and gramps with words of ill-will.
Do not mock fragile hands that cared for you
because their gray hair is now tinged with blue.

Though their eyesight grows weary and weak
gentle words of love they continue to speak.
Kindness still lives inside hearts beating slowly
But do not treat them as though they are lowly.

Place a sweet kiss upon an elder's upturned cheek
hold a veined hand instead of giving a rude critique
Spend a little more time with those who need care
and remember one day you'll be sitting in that chair.

Show respect for those who have reached old age
have patience with them instead of venting in rage
One day you will wear those wrinkles on your face
and you will welcome the arms of a loving embrace
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

Poem

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Smith Avatar
October 11, 2016 at 3:47 PM
They should be revered and honoured.
Onclaud Avatar
October 11, 2016 at 8:47 AM
i have had the pleasure of enjoying my grandmas who lived past 90, marty... we cannot dismiss the truism that the elderly is part of who we are... such a moving, lovely work!..huggs
Green Avatar
October 11, 2016 at 8:24 AM
This was a beautiful poem with a fantastic message. Indeed, the older generation along with everyone else deserves respect and a return of the love they've shown throughout the years. Wonderfully done.
Allison Avatar
October 11, 2016 at 8:08 AM
Wow Marti this is superb - I too have written about old age but mainly from a humourous point of view except of course poems about my mother's failing health - it is sad to see them aging and realising these things can and probably will happen to us one day:-(
Allison Avatar
October 11, 2016 at 10:37 AM
I have read many poems on aging on soup - I think this is the most tender and poignant I have read in recent months - bravo Marti - reading this again has brought a tear to my eye ... of course it then goes down the furrows of wrinkled sagging face lol!!:-) hugs Jan xx
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