by J Meckes

Created on: August 19, 2009

USELESS OLD MAN

YOU . . . in that mirror, looking back at me.
The distorted thing of what used to be.
Who are you old man? Why do you stare?
Why do you mock me with utter despair?

The haunting voices question my past.
How did I get here, so old, so fast?
The splendor of youth, I no longer enjoy
the carefree days of a youthful playboy.

Hands now wrinkled, uncontrollably shaky.
My joints are stiff, my body all achy.
Vision blurred, some things I can't see.
Why did old age have to swallow me?

Yesterday's foggy, my memory is slow.
I misplace moments from so long ago.
My love of life, where has it gone?
Is there any good reason to carry on?

My fate now cast, my reflection is true.
I've lost my youth and all that I knew.
A useless old man, what joy can I give?
What motivates this old fossil to live?

Then the hand of a child, like a little cat's paw
pulls himself close, saying . . . . I love you Grandpa.

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