deedeewisdom

Old woman, old woman
Where have you been?
Tell me your story from beginning to end

You’re soft and you’re pleasant
You smile a lot
There’s much life you’ve lived
And there’s secrets you’ve got

Your wisdom gives comfort
To those you surround
You listen with measure
You make stable ground

Your arms become portals
That welcome sad souls
They flock to you needing
Your special hellos

Old woman, old woman
Where are you now?
Your journey’s not over
There’s much you allow

How have you made it?
What have you done?
Surviving’s not easy
There’s rain with the sun

Old woman, old woman
Your face tells the tale
Each furrow and wrinkle
Reflect nature’s toil

I ask you to give me one secret
I pray
“Be yourself”, said the woman
“Make the most of today”

I thanked her with vigor
Then went on my way
Old woman, old woman
Your words with me stay

Diane Findlen Garrow 4/12/09
While commuting home on the train