Old Man and Child
Gaspare Traversi
The Little Boy and the Old Man
Said the little boy, "Sometimes I drop my spoon."
Said the old man, "I do that too."
The little boy whispered, "I wet my pants."
"I do that too," laughed the little old man.
Said the little boy, "I often cry."
The old man nodded, "So do I."
"But worst of all," said the boy, "it seems
Grown-ups don't pay attention to me."
And he felt the warmth of a wrinkled old hand.
"I know what you mean," said the little old man.
Said the old man, "I do that too."
The little boy whispered, "I wet my pants."
"I do that too," laughed the little old man.
Said the little boy, "I often cry."
The old man nodded, "So do I."
"But worst of all," said the boy, "it seems
Grown-ups don't pay attention to me."
And he felt the warmth of a wrinkled old hand.
"I know what you mean," said the little old man.
Shel Silverstein
8 comments:
What a great poem! I was so surprised when I saw that Shel Silverstein had written it. Isn't it the truth? As grumbly as I get with the elderly (my very needy 87 year old mother in law flashes before my eyes), we all will be there at some time in our lives. Why do we have the patience with children but not them?
It's another important sign of the times...
Alicia, it is a great poem and you got it.
gsc, the old being overlooked is something which has become the norm over a period of time.
I found this to be a poignant, true and sweet poem. I worked in geriatrics for many years, so this is close to my heart. I must say, I'm surprised that this delicate little poem got so little response. Really. I'm surprised.
Perhaps it did not get a large response because it struck home for so many people. I loose my patience daily with the situation we have with both mothers at this age. Funny...a child is extremely needy and thinks solely of self. Many of the older people have the same feeling and perhaps it is that we feel they should know better and be more understanding. The fact is that we..in the middle...need to speak for both ends. What goes around, comes around...age included.
You are very wise.
Wonderful. Love the painting too:)
I LOVE Shel Silverstein, Sienna and I have read Where the Side Walk Ends a gabillion times together : )
That is such a poignant one.
Hugs,
ash
Jennifer & Ashley, I'm glad you liked it.
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