Poem About Old Age - Could It Be Me?
77Could It Be Me?
She walked with a gait that was cautious and tender,
Each step with forethought on a path unkind.
Slowly and steadily, she moved down the alley,
Her hands slightly outstretched to a companionless guide.
A look so forlorn as she groped for the air,
In attempt to balance on legs unsteady and stiff.
Even from the distance, her features were clear—
Rugged and roughened from the bout with time.
The Look in Her Eyes....
She was more than old; she was weathered and worn.
Strands of brittle straw framed a face of tough leather.
Beaten and tired as if she’d gone through
A world of—who knows—and had come out behind.
Did she have children—or had she been married?
Had she been deserted? Or alone all her life?
She looked frail in the wind that gently blew
Litter in gutters and shook her slight frame.
Her life had been hard, undoubtedly, I thought.
Probably harder than most. But then who could know?
I thought of my own—my life, my loss—
Yet how lucky I seemed. Did I have it so bad?
I looked away and back to this solitary soul
On this desolate path....to what and where?
An air of fear I sensed in her.
It gripped me so strong I began to shake.
Poem's History
When I was in the ninth grade, my class was shown a picture of an old woman, a black and white picture of a woman sitting alone in a drab environment. For a 15 year old, the photo was stark, sad, and unreal. While we wrote down our impressions then, over the years I have revised those original thoughts to reflect the poem shown here.
Was she scared of death? Of dying with noone--?
Of what lay ahead? Or would death befriend her?
Who was I to say? Her hopes, or her fears—
Whatever she felt—not for me to know.
She walked closer to me, and soon we were facing.
Eyes rising, hesitant, we peered at each other.
And in those eyes I saw it—the look so disturbing--
Not sad, not afraid—but hollow and empty.
I greeted her warmly; I wanted to help
To bring some joy to her dreary existence.
We talked for a while. Her eyes shone with--what?
Finally, we parted, and I watched her leave,
Glad we had met, and hoping I helped...
To show someone cared--was that my arrogance?
I shook my head, my heart disbelieving,
Unable to separate her thoughts from my own.
Was it real what I saw in those eyes so revealing?
Was it despair of this life—or impatience for death?
An unexpected encounter—between one near the end
And one entering the pathway of life.
Could it be I was jealous that her journey was ending
And my own still ahead--with pains yet unknown?
As she rounded the corner, my throat tightened.
My eyes couldn’t move from the place where she passed.
When I Am Old....
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Confused and shaken, my heart was racing
As my ordered thoughts were now undone.
The wind gained strength where mine had waned,
Knocking off my cap, flopping on the ground
Here and there, with its own sort of doubts
Looking to settle, free from its torment.
I had to see her again, but for whose sake?
For a poor old lady or just for myself?
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CommentsLoading...
Your words are touching, beautiful...
I wish I could meet with her again, Timely, but she was only in my mind....
Thanks to you both--Timely and Robin Cristy--for your kind and encouraging compliments. Thanks for reading!
I've had some of those same thoughts, watching an old man, back bent from his burdens. I think about me growing old and it still seems somewhat unreal. I do not look forward to that possible future. Voting up.
Thanks for the vote up, TKs view, and for validating my thoughts and feelings. Different perspectives, wondering what it feels like to be on the other side--it's a lot to take in. Only time will tell how we'll feel ourselves....
Very moving ? I made my dad read this, he liked it too and can relate a lot. :)
brandasaur--I'm glad you and your dad liked the poem, and he could relate. Very cool.... By the way, I do love your pic of the little dog. Yours? :-)
"To show someone cared--was that my arrogance?"
An arrogant person would never question her own motives. Only a loving person would do that.
Up and awesome.
Thanks, Will! Very insightful comment--I love that! Thanks for the votes and wonderful comment.
I really like this one, Victoria, so I'm sharing it.
I appreciate your sharing it, Will--and I'm absolutely thrilled that you really like it!! :-)
Hi Victoria Lynn,
That was very moving. In our times age is hard to determine at times, until we see a person who actually lets their skin wrinkle. Everyone is so botoxed and can't even move their faces. Always remember her, and that she still kept going, as I hope you will when you get old. I see so many people only getting to their forties and not taking care of themselves. If they watch their health, they could have half of it yet to live.
..you are a writer whom I come to admire in so many ways my dear Miss Lynn of Victoria - I was no doubt very moved by your poetic opus but also by you the author for penning/creating this sacred and tender words - a hubbravo to you and a posting to my Facebook page with a direct link back here to let the world know of your special writing talents ....and of course your heart and soul - lake erie time ontario canada 1:49am
It is a really moving a touching poem.
JT
I really enjoyed this, it made me think about the elderly people I see often struggling along as I stroll by, or at least used to stroll by, now I kinda gimp a bit, hmmm, could I become that old lady????
A strong poem.Really enjoyed the read.
Very true, Jean. Great comments.
Thanks, JT. I appreciate your stopping by!
Epi, I'm truly humbled by your admiration. "Miss Lynn of Victoria"--I like that! Your comments mean more than I can express. Thanks, too, for sharing the poem, my heart, and my soul. :-) And I'm thrilled to have received a "hubbravo"!!!
I think that, too, sometimes, cherylone. I wonder what I'm going to be like as an old lady!
Thanks, Alladream! Much appreciated.
Voted up and beautiful. It is extremely touching poem. Who knows what is in store. It is really scary especially thinking about the future. I feel if we can at least help one in such a state then the fear in our heart will be a bit less.
I love this poem Victoria, very touching.
voting up.
A very powerful poem. I enjoyed reading this.
Voting up
Nice comments, shampa. Yes, who knows what is in store? Catching a glimpse can be fearful until we learn more. Thanks for reading and commenting!
Movie Master and Rosemay50--Thanks for the votes up! Much appreciated!
Victoria, That was a moving poem and it sure affects one who reads and understands it. When we see something the fear of going there lurks. You have brought this beautifully in your poem. Love your style as your your stylus makes a lasting impression.
With warm wishes,
MAKUSR
So beautiful! Sometimes I sit and watch people passing by. Old or young. I could almost see the old woman in your poem...You have quite a talent!
Voted up and away! Shared as well:-)
Great poem! Loved it!
Regards
Luis
This is a very beautiful poem. It is very insightful and extremely moving. You held me throughout -- I wonder if, by relating so closely with your thoughts expressed in this poem, that I will have less lonely times as I grow older. What I mean is, if this beautiful woman (in your mind) understood what you are saying here, she must have left you with feelings of hope and love. Thank you, Victoria.
Thanks, MAKUSR. Very true what you say about our fears. I appreciate your insightful comments.
Escobana--I'm glad you could see the woman. That means a lot. Thanks!
Thanks, Ibramos! Appreciate it!
Maralexa--what beautiful and kind words! I hadn't really thought about the poem giving hope, but perhaps you're right. Thanks for your insightful comments!
Nice.. Just voted up beautiful..... I like the concert, could it be me..
Capedium--I'm glad you liked the poem. I think the concept rings true in a lot of issues we face in life, including old age--Could It Be Me? Yeah, it's a reality that it could.... Thanks for your comments. And the votes!
Wow!! Thoroughly and completely moved me. It brought tears to my eyes and that my fine poetic friend...is what poetry is all about. You evoked such empathetic emotio w/ in me. Thank you for your lovely talent :)
Thanks, Desiree! Your words touch me. I'm so glad you connected with the poem. That makes me feel really good. :-)
Victoria, I liked the ending of for her or for me. I suspect for both, an empathy which adds to our humanity. Up and joining the rest of the scoring.
Perspycacious--I suspect for both as well. I appreciate the comment. Thanks for the votes, too!
Timely 6 months ago
Victoria Lynn, Touching deep and beatifully expressed. See her again for both of you. She had plenty to say as well as you, just not the right time. I hope you cross paths again with someone similar because now older you are wiser:)