Don't patronize me and remind me
Of how very old my age,
Don't smile knowingly and nod,
As if you can gauge my stage.

 

Often times I quite forget
How really old I am,
'Till someone comes along and says,
"You're doing what?  At your age, Ma'am!"

 

Woops!  What am I thinking of?
I must have just forgot,
Old folks are s'posed to sit and rock,
And rock, and rock, and rock.

 

Oh, sure I need help from time to time,
As so do you, young friend,
But I've also learned to do without,
So please don't condescend.

 

My peers often drive me crazy,
But that's my problem; it's not yours,
I do the same to them sometimes,
But that's my right, as well as theirs.

 

I haven't lost my marbles yet,
Though some may be misplaced,
Don't make me older than I am,
Let me age at my own pace.

 

Don't roll your eyes and heave a sigh,
And tell me that you understand,
(I didn't just get off the boat,)
You don't, you won't, and you never can.

 

At least, not yet, my well-meaning friend,
You need a few more years,
And though I'd not wish them on you,
You may even need a few more tears.

 

Your heart is good, I know this,
And your intentions, too,
But patience is the virtue
That I wish the most for you.

 

Slow down and match my gait,
So we can walk together,
And should I lean upon you,
I hope my weight is like a feather.

 

If I take your hand, embrace me,
I'm not too fragile for a hug,
And it's okay to laugh and squeeze me,
I won't break; I'll just feel loved.

 

You're young, you're strong, you're bright, you're quick,
I'm old, I'm weak, I'm slow,
We can't compete, but we can meet,
With mutual respect, you know.

 

Make me glad our paths have crossed,
I'll do the same for you,
And, Lord willing, I'll make heaven
Long before you do.

 

Then I'll tell God about you,
Though He'll already know,
Still a word in your behalf can't hurt.
So be good to me before I go!

 

Virginia (Ginny) Ellis
Copyright March 2004