Home » Poems » Gershon Wolf » Magic Words

Magic Words

~ Practicing for an address 
           at our local senior center ~

I stand before you today
  with no magic words to say
They complain: We're older, slower; our ceiling's lower
  Instead of glistening, at times we glower

Yet like fine wine that's aged just right
  we have experience, knowledge and insight
that more than makes up for loss of speed
  'coz sure and steady wins the race, indeed

So, whatever you do, wherever you go
  just strut the stuff that smart folks know
Honesty, integrity, reliability -- they're the musts
  that combined with punctuality win people's trust

Employ those relationship skills that have helped you thrive
  Go have the time of your life ~ You're mature and alive



  Inspired by Line Gauthier's Poetry As Legacy Contest
                           Not an Entry

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Carolyn Devonshire

Date: 3/10/2021 1:55:00 PM

I'm so glad you mentioned "punctuality," Gershon. Young people seem to be late quite often and it's not fun waiting for them. You offer some good words to live by -- honesty, integrity, reliability. May your poem inspire others to practice these. Excellent entry for Line's contest, Gershon. Winning wishes for you! Hugs, carolyn

Rico Leffanta
Date: 3/11/2021 11:16:00 AM

Upon my arrival in Germany, my first instruction was that one o'clock means one o'clock, not one minute before nor one minute after as your time is no more valuable than anyone else's time. People who ignored that instruction missed their bus/train/ride! Aloha! Rico

Gershon Wolf
Date: 3/10/2021 5:21:00 PM

Someone has taken the punc out of punctual and inserted 'punk' instead, I'm afraid. Time IS of the essence... Thanks, Carolyn

P.S. Awtry

Date: 3/10/2021 11:45:00 AM

"strut the stuff"--Society needs to value her wizened ones, because the cost of not doing so is very high.

Gershon Wolf
Date: 3/10/2021 5:19:00 PM

You're right... That said, somehow, it seems that society is willing to pay the price, though. Disappointing, isn't it. You're right... :)

Rico Leffanta

Date: 3/10/2021 10:42:00 AM

I hope you spoke them slowly as we oldtimers don't listen at the same speed as youngsters speak today . . . .Well said! Aloha! Rico

Gershon Wolf
Date: 3/10/2021 5:16:00 PM

Good point, Rico. And with social distancing, the words take even longer to reach those hearing aids. lol. Cheers, Gershon

Ilene Bauer

Date: 3/10/2021 8:52:00 AM

i think this will go over very well, gershon! you've said it all in a delightfully poetic way...

Gershon Wolf
Date: 3/10/2021 5:12:00 PM

Thanks, ilene. Appreciate your encouragement. :) gw

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 3/10/2021 6:46:00 AM

Love it! I visited my Grandma in a senior apartment. If people only realized the gift.

Gershon Wolf
Date: 3/10/2021 5:11:00 PM

We often realize the gift after it's not available anymore. 'Tis a real pity. :) gw

Sara Kendrick

Date: 3/10/2021 4:21:00 AM

It is all in the attitude. No one can rise higher than their attitude will allow them to rise. I enjoyed reading your address to the seniors. Thanks for dropping by my page. Sara

Gershon Wolf
Date: 3/10/2021 5:07:00 PM

Oh, on the mark, Sara... And so many limit how high they can rise, don't they... As a teacher, I used to say that you can only teach a kid as much as his parents want him/her to learn. Take care, Gershon

L Milton Hankins

Date: 3/9/2021 8:05:00 PM

Gershon, how very much I enjoyed your advice. Yes, you are right, and you expressed yourself wonderfully here. Good luck in the contest! Milt

Gershon Wolf
Date: 3/10/2021 5:06:00 PM

Thank you, Milt. Now, I'm talking to seniors, you know. Not to peach-fuzzed teen-agers like yourself. lol. I hear that you have to be at least 39 to be accepted for this site... ~ Turning the page on age, gw