I Am Geriatric!

I am Geriatric!  

I am old, 

And my experiences are gold  

My skin may be wrinkled

It has faced the sun to give shade to others  

My bones may be weak 

They have once been the pillars for others  

My hands may tremble with tremors 

They have once taught others how to write  

My mind may be duller 

It has made other minds bright  

My memory may be weak 

I have given many, the moments to remember  

I may not be able to think  

I have given many, the thoughts to ponder  

My teeth may be missing 

I have given food to many to survive and thrive  

I may not be able to walk steadily 

I have helped others walk the walk of life  

I  may not be able to see

I have shown others the path

I may not be able to hear now

I have lent an ear when I had

I like being cared for 

I don't like being bossed  

I like being loved 

I don't like being forced  

I like having people willing to help,  

But I don't like when they pity…

I like my independence 

Though you may make a decision for me,  

If you can understand 

That I like empathy but not sympathy  

I have lived a life  

That in itself brings grace  

That makes me deserving 

Of respect to my space   

I may have lost my sleep 

I know it will return here 

And when it returns, 

It will embrace me forever  

I am Geriatric today 

You may be one tomorrow 

It is another thing that I have,  

And I will pass it on  

Author: Jaya Sonkar M.D., M.P.H.

©All rights reserved. Jaya Sonkar  2019