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 

  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