Sonnet: On The Elderly (Poem Dedicated On World Poetry Day,2012) Poem by Dr John Celes

Give them, O God, a newer lease of life;
Had they not suffered lot in their life-times?
Their bliss was lesser than their woes and strife;
Now elderly, they stay in sickly climes!

They struggled through their child-hoods to grow big;
They toiled to rear their children and to feed;
Now bald, grey-haired, they will not wear a wig;
Nevertheless, God blessed them and their seed!

Who will now care for them if sickness strikes?
Which child finds time to enquire and to speak?
Which soul will tend to their dislikes and likes?
Bless them, O God, for now their frames are weak!

Their plight when aged turns life a worthless cross;
Embrace them Lord, if they had lived Your cause!