When You Look at Me

What do you see when you look at me?
An old man, tired and worn?
Do you see the slowness in my steps,
The lines upon my face, the clothes I’ve worn?

Do you see someone fading,
Out of place in a world that’s moved on?
Do you see silence and forgetfulness
A man whose time has gone?

But look again, just for a moment
There’s more than meets the eye.
Behind these tired hands and wrinkled skin,
Lives a soul you might pass by.

I was once a laughing child,
Running through fields with scraped-up knees.
A teen with dreams too big to hold,
Chasing love and chasing peace.

I stood at the altar, citing my vows,
Held my children close at night.
Built a life, brick by brick,
Guided by love, not always by might.

I’ve felt joy that made me weep,
And sorrow that took my breath.
I’ve lost loved ones who meant the most,
And learned to live past death.

Now my body moves more slowly,
And time has taken its toll
But I still feel, I still remember,
I am still a whole soul.

I’ve battled demons in my mind,
Dark days that hid the sun.
Concussions left me dazed and lost,
But I never came undone.

A heart often broken, bruised but kind,
Still offered love, still gave.
For I held tight to who I was
Respectful, loyal and brave.

So don’t just see an old man,
Sitting quietly in his chair.
See the roads I’ve walked, the dreams I’ve chased,
The love I’ve given, the burdens I bear.

Because one day, you’ll be here too,
With stories etched into your skin.
And you’ll hope that someone looks at you,
And sees the life within.

Author unknown.