I Came Here To Grow Old

I Came Here To Grow Old

© by Bud Lemire on Sept 24, 2009

“I came here to grow old,” is what she said to me

No matter where we are, we grow old naturally

Age doesn't stop, we grow older every day

In our human bodies, it's the only way

“Look at all the people, who are gone and dead”

She pointed to the empty chairs, and that was what she said

Life doesn't last forever, we must value every minute

With the special people, who are forever in it

“This must be the homeless shelter, for those who don't have a home”

Or could this be a place people come to, so they can be alone

A place in this world, that we can each afford to be

Which isn't always easy, caught up in today's economy

Thank goodness for the help that we get, it is what we need

Especially when it's our mouths, that we have to feed

We each must cling to life, and live it every day

As we grow older, let us cherish in every way

Use the time you have here, to do your very best

Life is not a tragedy, we have all been blessed

Warm up someone's life with love, so they won't grow cold

Because it's what's remembered when I Came Here To Grow Old

It's not easy growing old, but it's the only thing we can do. It happens to

each of us. Thanks to HUD and the Housing Commission and a place like

Harbor Tower, it makes it easier for us who have a low income and must rely

on a place like this. And for those higher up in the Tower, look at the beautiful

view you have. For those who can still get around, the Tower is in a perfect spot

near the Park, where you can go and enjoy each day. So enjoy each moment you

have here in this life, and appreciate all that you see.

A special thank you to Evelyn Burkhart, who made the quotes in this poem.

She lived here and was a good friend of mine as well.