by Gregg Oakley
**
I will be saddened
As I grow older
Not because of my age,
But because my elders,
Will be less of my elders.
**
Who will I look
For wisdom and guidance?
Who will advise me
With words of experience?
**
Not knowledge,
Not information,
But lived wisdom.
**
I will be saddened
when my elders
Become less of
My elders.
2 Comments
Mariaana Guerrero
This is so true on the part, “Who will I look to for wisdom and guidance?” I come from one of the rural villages and a lot of our elders have passed on that had the wisdom of our ancestors. Our Yupik language is also depleting. I have so much respect for elders and wish people knew how special they are. I do hope to work with elders as patients later and gain some wisdom in person.
Jennifer dawn Attwood
This poem rings true and touches the heart when it comes to the elders that we currently praise in our lives, and the fact that we must all face death. When we are much older, we can only hope to have acquired great knowledge, etc. passed down by our ancestors. I love how this poem brings up something so important. It makes the reader question things and forces us to think about the elders in our lives. I am sure many others would respond the same. Great work!