There were so many-

grey haired, shortened

by years, faces with maps

to yesterday, bodies

that leaned heavily

on the cart or canes

clung to like a flag

to a flag pole, but

they triumphed through

the jungle of aisles,

boxes, cans , and bottles

that stood like soldiers

ready to be called up.

We shopped side by side,

a smile now and then

for those I could not relate to-

not to the frail couples that

had to help each other

walk and decide what to buy.

You can't without grey hair,

or maps to yesterday.

My joints were well oiled,

and the world was my oyster.

My world  today, is a small clam,

the maps are being drawn,

the shrinkage has begun.

It's our turn to forage

in the jungle and smile

at the young faces.

We park in handicapped spot

now, as I make sure

we both have our canes.

01/03/2005

Posted on 01/04/2005
Copyright © 2026 Jane E Pearce