we stand at the edge
looking back.
lives
spaces
all swallowed by time.
we know we are not strong
nor handsome.
trembling hands
fading memories
wrinkles darkening skins.
we can barely hear
the bird song
as the night
casts its dark shadow
in our eyes.
remember,
when you were children
all queries
all stories
were repeated umpteen times.
we know you are busy
maintaining lifestyles.
problems of living
punishing schedules
lie heavy on your shoulders.
all we seek
is a smile,
a patient hearing
when we forget and repeat
the same old stories.
do not banish us
to old people’s homes
it is lonely there.
allow us to share
the laughter of grandchildren.
springs will come and go
and you will find us
in the looking glass.
please, if we must live
let us live with dignity.
