The Ageing Game Poem by Olga Horpe

I saw a change take place today,
as I held her frail unsteady hand,
An empty look upon her face
As if she were on distant land.
Is this my mother? once so strong?
Who laboured and loved for so very long
A woman who’s strength inspired within me
The courage to cope with what has to be.
Our roles now reversed I can no longer run
like a child to my mother when at odds with someone.
Yes! I saw a change take place today
And I suddenly knew there’s a price I must pay,
For my thoughts wandered back to the struggles and strife,
The ups and downs in my mothers life.
The mountains she climbed for us all through the years,
The laughter, the joy, the sadness, the tears.
Although the long years have made her this way
I still see a courage within her today,
As she strugglesto cope with confusion and fear
Yet she knows all is well as long as I’m here
Her lifetime was giving, now it’s her turn to play
Yes! I saw a change take place today.