I looked today
At an old woman's hands
They were spotted with age
Snarled with arthritis

Skin so thin I could see blue
Rough warts in various places
Whose hands are these?
I stared for a long time

Of course, they are mine
How could I forget?
They have served me well
Five children and two husbands

The years have flown away
Why just yesterday ...
I was a young girl of twenty-five
The whole world in front of me

I never thought of getting old
It just happened it seems.
Every now and then
I catch a glimpse of myself

Oh, my, that's me I'm looking at
What happened?
Time has stolen my youth
My mind is still young

But the body betrays me
Flashbacks of younger days
Remind me how quickly it all goes
One day here...the next gone

Enjoy your youth
Dear young person
For you, too, will someday
If you are lucky

Look in the mirror
And find an old person
Looking through your eyes
Be thankful for all the time

God has blessed you