Old Folks

OLD FOLKS Gone those elder-respecting days - An ancient could well topple over As uncouth youth speeds around him The Walmart express departs My God! Look what’s been left behind – A multitude of invisibility A moss grown obsolete Decrepitude on slow parade Antediluvian yes But stored with lost value And sense of a valued protocol What is thought of as 20s showmanship Has for most these gaffers and hags genuine sweetness And selfless humble humanity What is lost? Lost is that hopeful neighborhood Of togetherness – The virgin feel of flesh Only sensed in imagination Those first daring touches And a certain joy of discovery Ingrained through early years of Experiment and experience Yes all this lost in wrinkles of course But the spirit might be reviewed If only now could take a look Dave Austin – age 87

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Barbara Barry-Nishanian

Date: 4/12/2018 11:17:00 PM

Your still young at heart. I'll be 80, my husband 88. Those young ones can never have the memories we have of a more gentle time of life, They are living in the midst of what the Bible call the 'Last Days'. Each year getting worse. We are really blessed to have lived to see all we have. I write about aging and make fun of it.

Carol B.

Date: 12/1/2016 2:51:00 PM

Love your poem and love your poetry :)

Carolyn Devonshire

Date: 9/23/2016 4:02:00 AM

So much is lost, Daver. Young people have computers thinking for them instead of brains. The sense of "neighborhood" and "discovery" are foreign to them. And, hey, we may be getting older, but Antediluvian? No, my friend. You become a kid again each weekend when the football games begin. Love ya, Carolyn

Daver Austin
Date: 9/23/2016 2:08:00 PM

Do you know why an old maid wears cotton gloves? Give up? - cause she aint got no kids. Hardy harr, harr -awpf sputt! Thanks for the visit - and go Noles! Love ya too, daver

Joe Maverick

Date: 9/12/2016 11:25:00 AM

Enjoyed the age defying spirit in this one Daver, wishing you well old friend.'

Phyllis Babcock

Date: 9/9/2016 10:49:00 PM

Enjoyed reading your poem. love phyl

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 9/6/2016 10:30:00 PM

I really loved this one , Daver. it speaks volumes to the reader especially ones "over the hill" haha. You are doing fantastic, my friend. I hope you get to 100!

Timothy Hicks

Date: 9/3/2016 9:26:00 PM

Such a well written and sincere poem, Daver. Your colloquial tone and genuine sentiments made even a whippersnapper, such as myself, able to connect with and appreciate ... good piece of nostalgia!

Michelle Mac Donald

Date: 8/25/2016 6:46:00 PM

"genuine sweetness And selfless humble humanity", fits you to a 'T', Daver.:) People know this, and animals will sense it. These years invite wisdom and credibility . Best wishes to you, my dear friend. Hugs, with love, Mikki

John Hardison

Date: 8/25/2016 3:33:00 AM

Nicely put. Nothing like the first experiences in life to give true value and wisdom to life's aging. Peace, Love and Joy.

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 8/24/2016 6:40:00 PM

Kids now days need to realize that memories of youth are just as radiant as we age. At least I still remember how I felt growing up...the thrill of my first date, my first kiss, and all the rest. Sure maybe we forget where we put the car keys occasionally...but not all the rest, the important moments of our lives remain and poems like this help demonstrate this fact beautifully! I loved it daver! 7 ; )