THE AUTUMN JEWELS

There was a time in days gone by
their knowledge was much used,
they were the heart of the family
but today they are abused.

They gave so much for many years
worked hard, and did without,
to clothe and feed their young ones
with illness, they, fought many a bout.

They did their duty to their God
many a happy time was had,
they looked out for their neighbour
in good times and in bad.

Their children left them one by one
which is all right and good,
they spread their wings and flew away
as all good children should.

The days kept passing faster
their bones did start to creek,
but there were still a few good times
when family visited once a week.

Now their eyes are dim and barely see
their ears hear less and less,
their limbs are getting shaky
their bodies need more rest.

But when you get to the heart of it
it seems very plain to me,
it’s OUR eyes that have dimmed, OUR ears that don’t hear
OUR love that has gotten shaky.

These jewels they are still shining
their usefulness not past,
they can help us with their courage and love
their knowledge of life’s unsurpassed.

Margaret Rose Larrivee
Oct. 02, 1992