I Know Why Old People Are Sometimes Very Happy Poem by Shalom Freedman

I Know Why Old People Are Sometimes Very Happy



They don't have to run
They can stop and look and love looking at the world
They have time to read and think
No one can tell them what to do
They understand that they are small
And have not conquered the world
And no longer think they need to
They know to look for the beautiful things
And minimize the ugly
They may have children they love
And grandchildren they love
The future is not dependent
On only their staying alive
They know much peace and quiet
Small tasks once taken for granted
They do as achievements
They do not have to feel guilty
About giving time to small enjoyments
Because they should be doing more important work
They have friends still
They know they do not have infinite time left
And that to enjoy each day best they can
Is probably not a sin
They are happy with some of what they have done in this life
And know it does not help much to be unhappy with all their failures
They see each small pleasure as an affirmation of life
Knowing they will not be here in years to come
They try to get the most of the years they have now
They know it is alright and right to be happy with less
They tell themselves they are
And they sometimes believe it-

Thursday, October 30, 2014
Topic(s) of this poem: happiness
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Shalom Freedman

Shalom Freedman

Troy New York
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