Dance Of The Aged
The strong and invincible, with yet another battle
I see my mother and father
Dancing the dance of the aged
Caregiver and infirm
As it has been for some time
But now so evident to my eyes
The strong and invincible
With yet another battle
How to stay together
Without falling apart
Needs becoming less transient
More desperate
As their survival is challenged
No chance to win
They look to us with frightened eyes
But stoic pride
Please help us if you can
But don’t let us know your pity
Indeed there is much, so much
To be grateful for
The seeds that were planted have grown
And grown again
They see in the faces of more and more grandchildren
And great grandchildren
A reflection of the love so needed
To bring peace, joy
Yet I am so sad
And afraid
I feel a trembling in the foundation of my life
As if the family pictures
Are about to fall from my walls
Hold on
"They look to us with frightened eyes but stoic pride"
" ... a trembling in the foundation of my life as if the family pictures are about to fall from my walls"
You have described both perspectives perfectly: that of a caregiver to older parents, and that of the older parents who don't want to become dependent. Both so difficult. Beautiful words, Sharon
What a touching poem ~ perfect for me to read today, as it was 77 years ago that my parents got married! She, in a borrowed dress; a beaming excited young lady. He was her Sailor ~ they fell in love the first night they met! Thanks, Sharon!