Pass It On

An aging gentleman sat ALONE in a city park.
Westgate Park was its name and it extended
For many blocks, outletting at the Pacific Ocean.

A young man came ALONG and sat on the bench
Next to the 75 year old gentleman. Both were
speechless for a few minutes. Then, with the
Feel of a searching heart,  the yongster asked
A very serious question.  He asked the wise
Older man, "At this juncture in your life, what do
You want or wish for?"

Now in the twilight of his life, the aged
man was ready to pass something on.
So, in reply to the 21 year old youngster,
in a voice tone befitting the essence of
wisdom, the elderly gentleman said,

In many respects, life is like a relay race.
And none of us finish life's race ALONE.
We need a little help from friends and lots of grace
We keep running and passing the baton ALONG.

I don't ask for much;
Not houses, lands, cars, and such.

I ask for time
And the ability to walk a straight line.

I ask for longevity
And a pure and Godly legacy.

I ask for peace and tranquility,
Less poverty, and more civility.

I already have a good life,
Being blessed with a good
family and a great wife.

I already possess a good measure
Of freedom, privacy, and liberty,
Along with food, clean water, clean air,
Safe and secure shelter, and sanity.

I have good coffee and a Bible to read.
And there's so little else that I really need.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

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Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace