Old age teaches gratitude and humility
We have seen friends suffer and die
We know people younger than us
Who are already gone-
Old age teaches us gratitude for our still being here
Appreciation for countless small abilities
Lost or desperately held on to -
If we can walk
It teaches gratitude for walking
If we can open with our ancient hands
A small bottle or can
All glory to our still mobile fingers-
Ridiculous as it seems and is
We learn to know and love all our gifts
When we experience loss threat of loss of them-
-
Old age teaches gratitude and humility
And fear of our own diminishment and loss-
We are what we are
As long as we are
And then we are something else
And then not.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Very meaningful, thought provoking and realistic verse and I greatly appreciate for sharing it. The practical knowledge gained till becoming of old age and having experienced a lot of ups and downs in life one realizes in old age the value of being able to do routine cores like walking, seeing etc on their own and the invaluable treasure the Creator had given while giving birth. In short one understands that health is the real wealth. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful poem.10+ points.