How Old Are You

Count not the time you have lived including today,
Not by the clock, in whose time you did love, work and play.
Count the times the joy and happiness to many you have brought,
Giving praise, encouragement, joy, to those when sad and distraught.

Value it by the time with loved ones and friends you have shared.
Treasure the time when you loved your closest and friends and truly cared.
Think of the good things you are going to give, do or say.
For you and many, your kindness  will make it a great day.

Time goes quicker as the aged  and ancients will confirm and know.
We pray we are healthy, not alone, happy when our time has come to go.   
The age you feel now often depends on the happiness in your heart,
Let the world remember you with a smile when you finally depart.

 How long will you live? How old are you now?
Only fate and you can decide when you take your final bow.
Count the happy memories however large or small,
When you helped, gave love, with content walked tall.

Love the world and it will love you back too,
You will live longer, be happier, now you have your cue.
This way you could be in for a long and happy bat.
Only you can decide, life is as simple as that.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

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Sowmyanarayanan Avatar
July 12, 2022 at 3:13 AM
Nice poem about the way to look at life
Meadows Avatar
July 11, 2022 at 11:01 PM
Such a good way of looking at life. A lovely poem. Well written.
Hoffman Avatar
July 11, 2022 at 5:30 PM
This is such a beautiful piece. One of my favorites, my friend.
Goldsmith Avatar
July 11, 2022 at 11:58 AM
"How old are you" is a wonderful write. Have a great/blessed day...................
Fenn Avatar
July 11, 2022 at 10:54 AM
Terry, this is exquisite! It reminds me of Helen Steiner Rice’s poetry, both in message and style. I liked everything of yours that got send to my inbox today. What treats!
Downing  Avatar
January 1, 2018 at 3:27 PM
It doesn't matter how many times I read this, it still is one of my top fave... xoxo
Downing  Avatar
May 10, 2017 at 10:16 AM
I just have to read this again, and of course it reawakened my consciousness of how old I am... Lol! No it made me appreciate more of my life, and yes my favorite :)
Downing  Avatar
January 10, 2017 at 12:56 PM
This is perfectly written. I love it, and a fave :)
Godwin Avatar
January 12, 2017 at 3:05 AM
Dear Akkina.Very pleased you liked it.I assume you mean a favour. If it is not more than a million pounds I will consider it thelaughingpoet.co.uk
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