I stood on the edge of the universe
stars within my grasp
reach for them I did
I never thought to ask
nudging my fingertips
a velvety lamb’s ear
in an old forgotten grotto
nature knows she is here
In the expanse of a gallery
the paint is still fresh
though the paintings are old
where I had my first test
hand-picked stone lined path
each flower has a name
crunch of gravel so familiar
tho I am no longer the same
This place harkens to her footsteps
welcomes me anew
tho time has passed
memories like morning dew
I was taught from before I was able to talk the value of the elderly, the importance of honor, and the lessons I could learn if I listened closely. I am sad for a generation that places so little value for those past a certain age. Because of this attitude, there are lessons unlearned/ history unheard.
There is more reality than metaphor in this poem and a gratitude beyond expression that I hold for those who taught me to reach for the stars.
I’m also sharing a link to rewrite of a fictionalized story of an elderly patient – here
penned in moon dust 
She is nature? Certainly an elder! And this poem honors all that calls a child and may teach her, in time, to honor nature: stars, plants, movement, stone, flowers and man-made things.
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well in one regard yes – nature tends to run through the veins of my family. This is about my mother ( I think she must be part nymph)
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Wonderful, Leslie, thanks. 🙂
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I love that your elders taught you to reach for the stars, and agree with you, what a shame it is people dont listen to the stories and the history of those who lived through very amazing times.
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This is absolutely stunning ❤
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Elders always speak wise and they taught you the very best… beautifully penned… 🙂
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You’re so right! We have much to learn from our elders. We must listen. Enjoyed your poem which felt peaceful and respectful.
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Im glad there was that sense of peace it is what I feel from these dear family members who had so much love in their hearts.
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Respect for elders seems to be a characteristic that is fading in our society…sadly.
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So many things we have let erode 😦
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It’s certainly a challenge for us to share our respect for the elderly with a younger generation who have a different outlook. Necessary though, as they are missing out on so much when they only value youth not experience!
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yes – they really miss out. I remember all the stories I heard of a simpler time seemed like an adventure just listening.
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Bravo!!! so true, so true, I feel you I do! the elderly will bless us if we respect them, know how to treat them, oh my. thank you for the great feeling i’m feeling now just from reading your afterword. God bless you Moonie. yay!!!
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awww James. They give us so much it is the least we can do. Blessing for your week
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What I loved about all my grandparents was their unconditional love that they gave me and their many other grandchildren. Perhaps they saw something of them in each of us that would still live on.
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Grandparents are a gift to children arent they?
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Beautiful poem, Leslie. Love the reaching for the stars part. It’s sad some of us don’t appreciate the older generation…always a lesson to learn from every story. My grandparents were always very giving and thought me to have fun. My grandma in particular bought me a GameBoy when it came out 🙂
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memories of the trodden paths that still glisten are most valuable and give us light…a beautiful poem Leslie…
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Thanks Sumana – those paths laid before us (by our ancestors) give direction
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Leslie, you definitely honor the elders with your words. Hope this carries forward into the younger generation.
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I’m, glad your elders were such inspiring teachers for you. 🙂
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I could stay on that opening line forever..and what follows is magnificent too…
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To roam in their places and to remember conversations, what they shared, what took hold as root stock and developed, what one remembers of their stories – continues.. cheers.
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A beautiful poem and a fitting tribute to elders who provide us with inspiration.
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