There was youth behind grey eyes

Wondering about elder people.

Day in, day out I pass people

longer here than I will be, probably.

They have all had their hardships, 

tears shed when words were too weak.

They all look peaceful. Are they really,

or does the look come with age?

Have they accepted the losses and the extra baggage,

or gnaws it at them at night, like years before?

Could that be why sleep gets worse with age?

I'm too afraid to ask, even those who have been there

all my life, who are in every family picture I have.

There was youth behind grey eyes.

Reviews

[Lydia Shutter]

Such a warm and perceptive write filled with compassion! Older people do have a way of looking at the world that younger people have not yet grasped. They know what is important and know what should not be taken too seriously. When there is youth behind the eyes, it is a happy memory keeping the person happy. Your words are well written. lydi**