When ‘Age’ Sets In . . .

~~ by tkbrown
When someone you love gets old
and can't do things they used to do,
especially when it's really hot--or cold,
how does that feel inside of you?
If grandma used to get down on the floor
to play and color and laugh with you,
maybe she walked with you out the door
to see the outside and what others do.
Maybe it hurts to see mom in pain
knowing she will ne'er be the same again.
That should not keep you apart from her--
spending less time will cause memories to blur--
when the time comes you can see her no more
you will wish you had piled up mem'ries before.
So, e'en though it hurts, go knock on that door;
make some good times, do things with her.
Play a card game, cook some food!
Write down her recipes when it's really good.
Talk about things she used to do
When her mom and dad were living too.
Talk about what she did in school.
Did she protest or obey each rule?
Ask how life was different then.
Would she want life to be like that again?
Write down what she says so you won't forget.
Someday you'll read them and won't have to fret
about not remembering things she said
of her young children or the day she wed..
What did mom do when she was young--
her hobbies, talents, and songs they sung.
How did she and her siblings act
when things went bad -- fiction or fact?
How did they learn what had been done--
in order to deal with the one
who was the true perpe'traitor--
leaving others guilty no more.
All memories--both good and bad--'
will, one day, be treasured and spread
forth for perusal tenderly
when mom is no more here to see.
Only then will you know how true
your heart was wrapped in loving hue.
Only then will memories held
be treasured, embraced--with you meld.

~~~~~~~~~~

Photo Above: by Cassandra Ortiz at Unsplash.com

~~~~~~~~~~

By tkbrown

I believe family is a gift from God and should be treated as such. I love writing with a broad array of intent and purpose. I have written poetry virtually all my life, and much nonfiction in academia. My expanded efforts in all areas have finally taken off in retirement. I have much to accomplish now that I have the time. Other hobbies are painting, researching ancestry and myriad topics for my writing, knitting, crocheting, cooking -- always trying new recipes and always cooking for my health. I have many other hobbies, but these seem to dominate most of my time. Oh, did I mention I am the mother of three grown children and grandmother of seven. I have been blessed immensely and am the happier for it.https://twitter.com/tkbrownwriter/photo

15 comments

  2. You have presented the fact and realities of life in such a subtle way which only you can do! I appreciate your exquisite way of expressing emotions in a very clinical manner! It was a wonderful read!Keep it up😃

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  5. Very well done – you touched my heart! After my grandmother died, I regretted not asking her questions about her life. I like the idea of writing down what we discover from our conversations. I will plan to do that with my elderly mother once I see her again after covid. Thank you, TK! 🌞

    Like

    Reply

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.