I Met An Old Man Poem by Juan Olivarez

I met an old man upon the road,
His hair was thin and white.
And he smiled at me despite his load,
In the early morning light.

His back was bent from years of toil,
But he had a lively gait.
But he hurried quickly on his way,
As if not caring to be late.

Good day to you he said as he,
Passed quickly on his way.
And smiled his smile of missing teeth,
It looks like a fine day.

I wondered at the spirit of the man,
Though he was old and bent.
His lively walk and sincere smile,
That seemed from heaven sent.

I envied the way he looked at life,
To him the glass was always full.
He smiled his toothless smile at strife,
And a rocky road, was paved with jewels.

2/12/11 Alton Texas