Home » Poems » Paula Goldsmith » From Young To Old

From Young To Old

The story of life from young to old is the same old story told over and over.
We start out and end in diapers.
We start out and end with no teeth.
We start out and end eating soft foods we do not like the taste of.
We start out and end falling down.
We start out and end needing care.
We start out and end crying day and night. 
We start out with nothing and end taking nothing with us.
We only have the precious time between young and old to live a life of love to others.
The story of life is the story we leave behind.


Date Written: 6/7/2019
A contest on aging Poetry Contest  sponsored by  Emile Pinet

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David Richmond

Date: 5/15/2021 5:51:00 PM

I love the way your poem highlights the similarities between the beginning and ending of our lives. I fully agree that "the story of life is the story we leave behind." This poem was well thought out and artfully executed.

Paula Goldsmith
Date: 5/16/2021 1:14:00 PM

Thank You, for writing and for your very kind words. I love to hear from other writers. Glad you like this "From Young to Old" write. I enjoyed writing it. Have a blessed day...............

Bryan Norton

Date: 5/18/2020 8:14:00 PM

True, how very true. What I like about the poem the most is that it conveys a sense of surety without a sense of gloom and doom, knowing that we all share the same cycle. The other thing I like is that most free verse poems are a mess, but yours manages to be profoundly poetic. Exceptional, moving, and deeply rewarding!

Paula Goldsmith
Date: 5/19/2020 2:42:00 PM

Thanks for your note and kind words. Yes, no doom and gloom here, only life. Glad you like. Have a wonderful day...............

Pratap Roy

Date: 2/19/2020 9:57:00 PM

Very correct thought, Paula. Liked the flow. God bless you.

Paula Goldsmith
Date: 2/20/2020 11:58:00 AM

Thank You for your note. Glad you like it. it was fun to write. Enjoy your day. God Bless You............

Richard Lamoureux

Date: 2/10/2020 8:19:00 AM

As people age they learn how much they have invested in relationships. There is a truth to all that you have expressed.

Paula Goldsmith
Date: 2/10/2020 2:32:00 PM

Thank You, for writing. I love to hear from other writers. Glad you like it. Enjoy your day.........

Franci Hoffman

Date: 8/30/2019 4:13:00 PM

My oh my! Isn't this the truth! Excellent poem, Paula!

Paula Goldsmith
Date: 8/31/2019 10:34:00 AM

Glad you like it. It was fun to write. Thank You, for reading and writing to me..........

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 8/29/2019 2:45:00 PM

I have thought about this often as I age. One of my dearest friends is in a home with Alzheimer's and it breaks my heart that she is forgetting everything. We worked together for years. She still thinks she is flying and is on a layover, bless her. Cont.

Paula Goldsmith
Date: 8/30/2019 1:04:00 PM

I have had and are now having this with friends. It is so sad.

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 8/29/2019 2:45:00 PM

I want to do for myself for as long as I can. My oldest daughter is a nurse and she said she will make sure I never get put in a home. The hardest part about getting older is slowing down and feeling the aches and pains of arthritus etc. it is more difficult when you have led an active life. Your poem says it all! It is a beautiful poem that I hope gets a top win! xxoo

Paula Goldsmith
Date: 8/30/2019 1:11:00 PM

"Thank You" for reading, writing and best wishes. I love to hear what the members have to say about my work. I had a very dear friend (has passed) always saying, "honey the golden years are not so golden." The a great weekend.......

Sara Kendrick

Date: 8/29/2019 7:00:00 AM

We only have one chance and that is a very short one at best. You have nailed it. Sara

Paula Goldsmith
Date: 8/29/2019 12:02:00 PM

Yes, time is short. Wish we knew that when we were young. Where does all the time go? Thanks for reading and writing...............

Jan Allison

Date: 8/29/2019 4:09:00 AM

This hit me hard Paula as my mum is in a care home and everything you said applies. One day I was doing up her zipper and kissed me on the head and she said to me 'things I did for you as a child, now you do for me':-) hugs Jan xx

Paula Goldsmith
Date: 8/29/2019 11:57:00 AM

A care home can be hard. I have a very dear friend in one now. Every time I leave her I get so sad. I have had many family members to care for before the care homes started getting to be a huge thing. (60's to 2013) You are always blessed for what good you do for others. Enjoy your day. Thanks for reading and writing........

Frances Byrne

Date: 8/29/2019 2:26:00 AM

Hi Paula, What you have written I have discussed many times. It brings me to tears, we are chipped away. When we are young we are moving forward, unfortunately when we are older we are failing and with that knowledge. Thought and tear provoking. Frances

Paula Goldsmith
Date: 8/29/2019 11:49:00 AM

Sorry, this brings you tears. It is something I have lived through a number of times. You are right, we are chipped away. I hope you will have a happy day. Thank You, for reading and writing.

Shirley Rebstock

Date: 8/10/2019 9:08:00 AM

Yes enjoy each day between young and old, goes by faster than you think it will. Very wise poem.

Paula Goldsmith
Date: 8/10/2019 4:35:00 PM

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for your note.

Euni- verse

Date: 7/17/2019 12:39:00 AM

So on point! Looking forward to reading more of your works. :D

Paula Goldsmith
Date: 7/17/2019 11:28:00 AM

It was fun to write. Thank You, for your note....

Lady Labyrinth

Date: 7/3/2019 6:14:00 PM

Beautiful. It's bittersweet the evolution of life. It's what we do with the time, the choices we make in the time we have here, the people we surround ourselves with, the life we create and share; the LOVE in our hearts and the hope in our minds can heal, create, inspire and change almost anything. I have added this one to my favourites.x

Paula Goldsmith
Date: 7/4/2019 12:41:00 AM

What a wonderful note. Thank You, for adding to your favourites.