'To Be Old' Poem by Ruth Rayment

Tell me what we should do
To be old
To have grey streaks in your hair
To have wrinkles on your nose
To have an aching back when you bend on your knees
To remember old memories
When chatting to your niece and nephews on your seat
To sit and remember the 11th month of the 11th day
To wear your poppies with pride
To think back when people stuck by your side
Tell me what you have to do
To age quicker to leave and depart for
The next life, next room
Tell me what we should do to be old
To die with dignity in our souls …