Unfound

Inspired by Mrs. Saldanha. A graceful young soul who is 84 years old. My interaction with her spoke much of how the elderly feel when their children leave them after all the years they have been looked after by their parents. 

We spoke for quite some time and she told me about her life there. Since she couldnt see properly, she missed reading books at night before bedtime. She called me back to meet her someday and insisted that she would take me by rickshaw for dinner and would pay for it herself. 

I just hope all of us, the youth, realize that although old age does bring with it physical deterioration their core remains untouched. That core needs to be given love. It needs to be looked after just like they look after us and with undying care and love while we were young.

I am grateful to have met her. Just those few moments with her, have taught me much.

 

Lines on her face

Smiled at me, speaking

Of summers of 69 

And how gorgeous she was in her prime

Without being asked, she began

Reminiscing . . .

Of freedom and being brave

Now for the same she did crave.

Children in her nest

who needed her then

Are long gone to lands far away

But they never missed her birthday.

Silver hair neatly combed

As natural as her want for love

Shined in the light, in strands

Untouched by nurturing hands.

Lips craved

For words sweet

Respect for her wisdom true

And something besides bland food to eat

In her smiling eyes I see

A love that sees no bound

All she seeks is a humble refuge

In the hearts of souls unfound. .