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I asked an old woman, "how was your day?"
"don't ask" was all she replied
she meant what she said but didn't say what she meant
her sadness could not be denied

I could leave her alone, respecting her wishes
but I knew alone she'd remain
so I urged her "please tell me, how was your day?"
she said "don't ask and I won't complain"

about all of my aches and all of my pains

about sleepless nights that repeat
about being too hot or being too cold
about swollen and slow moving feet

about memories that come and memories that vanish
remembering makes my brain burn
dreading when my childrens' visits are over
living for them to return

missing my husband, my partner in life
after sixy five wonderful years
having to face things without him by my side
drowning in sadness and tears

watching my peers one by one disappear
in this sequence - an old age event
never prepared to say good bye
wish the pain we could somehow prevent

I listened completely and with empathy
for "don't ask" truly meant that I ask
and even if I couldn't cure any ailments
I believe that I did a great task

"Any grandchildren?" I asked so sincerely
she lit up like a sky full of sunshine
she took out her wallet and shared with me
photos of her cherished nine

introducing each one by their name
her old age faded by youth
proud and grateful of her legacy
discovering her moment of truth

"today is a good day" the woman announced
"if you ask I will tell you this straight"
She meant what she said and said what she meant
as for me, "my day is now great"

Learn more about this author, Jayne Bonilla.
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