The Tough Old Bird Poem by louis rams

She was up in her years and her hair was completely gray
All she had was her memories which was quickly fading away.
Life had taken its toll on her, and the years made her hunched backed.
But she was a tough old woman, even after her heart attack.

Children would gather around her, and she’d tell the
Stories of days gone by-she would always get you
To laugh, she didn’t even have to try.
Memories of the 1920 s when gangsters ruled the streets
Where people were afraid to walk, if there
Wasn’t a cop on the beat.

Yet with all the violence they had a grand old time.
Speak easy clubs hidden in the dark alleys
Where most would not dare to go
But you could always find any type of gambling
Drinking, or musical show.

She had seen the great depression and every type of recession.
Clothing styles changing all the time
Food by the pound sold for a dime.
Ice cream and fruit carts being pulled down the streets
MY OH MY -what a wonderful treat.

Then the 1st world war came, and she
Wondered who was to blame.
American men running to volunteer to fight
for freedom- their lives they would share.
She was around for every conflict and war
And could write stories and books
Of everything that she saw.

But she was just happy to share her stories
And jokes with the children who would gather around.
They would listen to her and not make a sound.
She loved to see the children s faces all aglow
Every time she put on her show.
She knew her life was close to the end
And these children were her dearest friends.
So she left a story for each one to tell
And to this day, they do it very well.