I think it’s nature’s way. Probably an unpopular opinion but as I get old, I don’t think I’ll mind being left alone, to observe, to think, to be, not concerned with who’s making time to talk to me, not interested in obligatory noises that people make around me to make me feel included. I hope to feel like I’ve lived my life and the younger lot should live theirs.
I know exactly what you mean, Priya...and it's true...
But only too often have I seen old folks withering away - and then blossoming on being spoken to , on being acknowledged, on being made aware that their breath matters...
Thank you so much for your regular weekly mails enclosing beautiful poems, and very thoughtful discussions- today’s view about the elderly is particularly poignant.
This was a sad post and deepened my guilt and unease as I slowly exclude my mother whose dementia is advancing rapidly, from my life. Also, how does one cope when you have a different opinion and world view, shaped by lived experiences, from the elderly person in your life..
I'm afraid, yes, it is a sad post. And written to a large extent seeing my father also slip into dementia, and noticing how we behave with him.....
And you know what he wants? He walks quietly to the door of my room, sees me quietly at work on my desk, smiles to himself, and goes....
In the evening, he waits for me to come back from office, so we can have dinner together. I might be on the mobile throughout the meal, but he's happy just sharing the space with me...
The poem arose from there...
Elderly don't always want company, I find - they only want presence and acknowledgment, however small that might be....
I think it’s nature’s way. Probably an unpopular opinion but as I get old, I don’t think I’ll mind being left alone, to observe, to think, to be, not concerned with who’s making time to talk to me, not interested in obligatory noises that people make around me to make me feel included. I hope to feel like I’ve lived my life and the younger lot should live theirs.
I think I agree and would also prefer to be left alone.
I know exactly what you mean, Priya...and it's true...
But only too often have I seen old folks withering away - and then blossoming on being spoken to , on being acknowledged, on being made aware that their breath matters...
Kabhi kabhi....kabhi kabhi....
Thank you so much for your regular weekly mails enclosing beautiful poems, and very thoughtful discussions- today’s view about the elderly is particularly poignant.
Sir, thank you so much for your kind words. It truly means a lot.
And your generosity - unexpected and heart-filling. Much appreciated indeed.
So many stories untold. We can't hear them all, but there's always time for one.
Great poem that radiates empathy.
This was a sad post and deepened my guilt and unease as I slowly exclude my mother whose dementia is advancing rapidly, from my life. Also, how does one cope when you have a different opinion and world view, shaped by lived experiences, from the elderly person in your life..
I'm afraid, yes, it is a sad post. And written to a large extent seeing my father also slip into dementia, and noticing how we behave with him.....
And you know what he wants? He walks quietly to the door of my room, sees me quietly at work on my desk, smiles to himself, and goes....
In the evening, he waits for me to come back from office, so we can have dinner together. I might be on the mobile throughout the meal, but he's happy just sharing the space with me...
The poem arose from there...
Elderly don't always want company, I find - they only want presence and acknowledgment, however small that might be....
Thank you Ketaki, for reading with such care....