I’m Still Here

Please See ME

Have to take off my cloak of invisibility

That must be the reason people look in my direction

And ignore what is inside

Being old is hard enough

Without seeing your image diminished

Through other people’s eyes

I’m still me

My spirit wants to cry out

There are dreams within

That long to be fulfilled

My body sometimes betrays me

Mirrors show a stranger

Yet a vibrancy remains

My view of the world is ever fresh

Richer and more color filled

These hands and feet cannot help but

Keep beat to the sounds of rock and roll

As they did when youth was in bloom

Now other music appeals as well

Sports entertain as in times past

As does ballet and plays and museums

The mosaic of my life is even more varied

Seeing things that would have gone unobserved in the past

Emotions surface when least expected

Bringing almost overwhelming waves of joy and sorrow

Wife, children, grandchildren, and friends are more valued

Writing and singing have replaced meetings and crisis management

Living instead of merely surviving

Age doesn’t necessarily bring wisdom

But be open to the possibility

That there is something I can offer

Please look at ME

I need that to stay alive