With furrowed brow and silvered hair
Crumpled low in her rocking chair
Draped in a shawl of tattered lace
A thousand years upon her face
And sallowed cheeks, the rosy cast
Of girlhood having long since passed
She raised her eyes up to the sun
For now she knew her life was done
So many stories she had told
Across the years as she grew old
But now the time was drawing near
To be with those she loved most dear
She meekly smiled and gave a sigh
In mem`ry of the years gone by
Then glanced down at her wedding band
Hung loose upon her withered hand
Her eyes then gazed towards the place
Where stood a portrait of his face
The first and only love she`d known
Which blossomed like a rose, full grown
Yet as she looked, her eyes grew dim
(She thought she caught a glimpse of him)
But only shadows filled the room
The wilted rose no more to bloom
She stroked her hair and touched her breast
Where once her sleeping children pressed -
Bereft and left alone to weep
She passed into eternal sleep
Beautifully poignant and laid down with great thought and compassion... My particular favourite section is where she strokes her hair and breast, a reminder of her children and femininity... A gentle finish to a life complete.., thanks for sharing one which caused a tear to loiter (ole softy ain't I!) . Karen
I know of this Old Lady, she has lived a million lives and will continue to live and die a million more, you described her perfectly as I remember.....
That is a very moving poem. I did genuinely feel that tingling sensation in the corner of my eyes as I read to the end.
Beautifully sad but joyful too that the old lady is going to meet her beloved again, as her memories become more real than life itself! Superb write!
Thank you for reading and commenting Hazel, so pleased you liked. Val
oh! ...this is bringing tears to my eyes. Excellent poem, and the realization that ones work here is done, one whose lived their life complete, and is truly ready to peacefully sleep and join her loved ones all waiting...I'm so ready, just as it is written! Thank you, Val.
OMG! reading this poem gave me goose bumps... What a beautiful write.
Oh, what a moving potrait in sober shades! ! Your craftsmanship is un paralleled! Each piece is a poem in itself. I enjoy reading them......continue to pour forth your melody, you Nightingale! !
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
How temporary, how fleeting the loves and times we hold so dear