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 out-lived 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