Home » Poems » Clive Culverhouse » I Know An Elderly Lady

I Know An Elderly Lady

Poet's Notes

(Show)

Become a Premium Member and post notes and photos about your poem like Clive Culverhouse.

This is one of the first poems I wrote. It's not a masterpiece, it's very basic, naive even, but it came out of a very bleak and traumatic time of my life. It won't win any prizes but to this day its message makes it one of the most important poems I have written, to me anyway.

I know an elderly lady At her window she sits She's always there when I go out watching the world and people about She waves and I wave back an exchange of smiles given I exist and she does too It's good of her to confirm I do

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem.

Please Login to post a comment

Tom Woody

Date: 11/25/2023 5:51:00 AM

My first thoughts went to Eleanor Rigby. Yes, these little memories stay with us. Small acts of kindness and affirmation

Clive Culverhouse
Date: 11/25/2023 6:17:00 AM

Oh yes, she "waits at the window", interesting thought Tom, thanks for reading

Sara Etgen-Baker

Date: 11/21/2023 2:34:00 PM

I rather liked this poem. The two of you noticed each other. Being noticed is priceless. Being ignored is gut wrenchingly sad! Well said, Clive. Enjoy your evening, Sara

Clive Culverhouse
Date: 11/21/2023 2:51:00 PM

Absolutely, we strive for the attention of others. Thanks for sharing your thoughts Sara

Di11y Da11y

Date: 11/21/2023 6:56:00 AM

I've had so many moments like this where confirmation of existence makes my skin tingle. I'm sure the value of the exchange to know you brightened a day added to it too. This is beautiful and I imagine others would resonate with that feeling. I remember even at primary school I'd wait to hear my name on the register and think about existence. Not simple but capturing something that isn't easy to capture. This does it so well, glad you shared it

Clive Culverhouse
Date: 11/21/2023 7:13:00 AM

That's exactly right. The whole point of the poem was that someone acknowledged my existence at a time when I needed it. I felt like I was missing from reality outside of my family. That elderly lady I pass every day on the dog walk always waves to me, the simplest of gestures but I think aknowledgement is a fundamental drive within our nature, we all crave it if truth be known. Thanks for allowing this exchange with your amazing comment