TIME AND THE OLD WOMAN

This poem was inspired by an old lady who lived in our area. In fact, everyone knew her and kept an eye out for her.

Every long and lonely day
She is seen in her greyness
And beautiful honesty
For she has no wit to lie
Her age and her nervousness
Make her obviously vulnerable
As she worries in her doorway
And so it goes

A stranger approaches
He looks safe enough
Yes, safe enough
She asks the usual question
"Can you tell me what day it is, please?"
Surprised amusement in his eyes
"It's Saturday, love"
"Saturday. Thank you very much"
And so it follows

Saturday
I know that
I only ask for something to say
I'd have no-one to talk to if I didn't
Saturday
I know that
No-one came again today
Oh they must think I'm such a fool
Asking what day it is
But they can see I'm old
Saturday
Yes, I'm old
I can't remember how old
Too old, too old
Oh dear, what day did he say it was?
Was it Saturday?
Yes, that's right
Saturday
No-one came again today
No-one ever comes
I'll die alone and no-one will know
I could lie dead for days
No-one will know for days
Days and days
The days go so slowly
Or is it quickly
I wonder what day it is
Oh dear, I've forgotten again
I'll have to ask someone
They'll think I'm such a fool
Still, they can see I'm very old
"Excuse me, can you tell me what day it is, please?"

    By Phil Roberts

Reviews

[Rinzin Samdup]

Wow! its pleasent to read and it did touched my heart...it really did. Lots of Hugs to your neighbour lady for me. thank you..

[Phil Roberts]

thank you :) I'm afraid the old lady died many years ago.

[Rinzin Samdup]

awww. i am sorry. but you have lived her life through those Lines...it was lively. i felt it!