Aging
by Pamela Marcie Gray

This poem reflects the contrasting ways in which men and women approach their senior years. As a musician, songwriter and recreation assistant in a long term care nursing facility, I see a wide and varied population of the elderly. My poem is a tribute to the men and women who have enriched my life, made me laugh, given me hope and abated my fears of growing old. I honor them, respect them and love them. They know who they are.

Some people retreat into a world of their
own...thinking of days gone by.
Not sharing, not caring to teach life's lessons.

Some people still live for the days to come.
Learning, loving and smiling.

Telling tales of inspiration and hope.
Giving us all a reason to live.

When I look into the eyes of an aged soul,
I see the person I want to be.