AN OLD MAN

I saw an old man, standing in the sand, with cane in hand, staring out at the horizon.

I asked of him what his thought’s were about,

He stared at me with a sigh and a smile.

I’m one hundred and three as I look to the sea,

I’ve outlived my wife and family.

I’ve had a life, seen many wonderful things,

Now an old man, old as the trees.

I say old man! what is it like to be one hundred and three,

I don’t know, I only know what it’s like to be me.

I asked of him, would you wish to again be a child,

He replied, my only wish is to again see my wifes smile.

I asked to him an old man, what’s the greatest thing you have done in such a lifetime,

His words to me were this, I married a beautiful wife, i walked with her in the sand,

I saw her smile, and now here I stand.

Keith Garrett