Sometimes it seems the golden years

Are tarnished just a tad

An aching joint - a cataract

Young energy we’ve had.

I’m fluffing up my empty nest

Young motherhood has gone

Now geriatric motherhood

Keeps me moving on.

A loved one near and dear to me

Now needs my constant care

It’s geriatric motherhood

A different hat to wear.

Maternal motherhood now takes

A wisdom only learned

Through young and later motherhood

Degrees through years are earned.

In geriatric motherhood

No courses now are taught

My macho warrior still wants

To speed his steps and walk.

And sometimes takes a tumble down

His shortcuts need a map,

Minesweeper now I must become

To clear the booby traps.

At first my aging battle cry

Was wrinkles and fatigue

Surrendering to gravity

Now energy I need.

So maybe find a time for rest

Compose a little rhyme,

No, the saw palmetto tea to serve

I’ll wait another time.

Those leisure moments I deserve.

But instincts die so hard

More mothering is needed now

No time to be so hard.

Pill dispenser, therapist

A nurse, a budgeteer

A memory jogger, taxi hop

And bills to pay all year.

How about a walker, “Not for Me,

A cane, that’s just for schools

To discipline the younger set

For me there are no rules.”

We cross the street, “Don’t take my hand

I balance better now,

The automatic door swings wide

They’ve locked me in somehow”

“Another enters and I’m freed

Just lead me to a chair

And finish up the shopping fast

It gave me quite a scare.”

The geriatric mother must

Nudge her man with care

Guiding, coaxing, keeping safe

From dangers unaware.

So, if some sage advice you wish

When seeking mates, or wives

Choose a sweet and peaceful one

‘Twill help you to survive.

Sue Davis - Vernon, B.C., 1999

(Reprinted from BC Caregiver News Spring 1999)

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