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 wife's 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