Old man, you have a story to tell,
brought up to respect those around you,
the parents who gave you life,
the country which supported you.
But no one wants to know,
your croaking, hesitant voice
may bring sympathy and platitudes,
though no one really listens
to the wisdom and light
you shine on a distant, distorted age.
Soon you will be silent,
like you had never been here
but the world will be emptier,
devoid of the smiles and hope
that you stood for

copyright Francis Barker 2019