He sat straight-backed, alert,
surrounded by canes, walkers
tv guides, checkerboard games
and the people that accompany them
in a place like this.
Hands folded, he waited patiently
for the last strands of that age-old song.
Some high pitched warblers sang off pitch,
hunched over the tinny piano
pulled out for occasions like this.
Balloons hovered above his head
as candles dripped life-time moments
onto pastel fondant flowers.
He spied the festive paper plates,
too thin for the thick slab he desired.
And so I asked the centenarian,
what is the secret of your longevity?
Well sonny, I always say,
close your eyes to dream.
Just make sure you open them wide
to watch where you step.
Written for Open Link Night at dVerse, the virtual pub for poets around the globe. Bjorn will host as we go live today from 3 to 5 PM Boston time. Those who post a poem will have the opportunity to read it aloud, if they choose to do so. Come share the fun, connect names with faces and hear the voices of many dVersers!
lillian the home poet 
What sage advice! Touching and made me smile 😊
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I loved hearing you read this, too Lillian – you really conveyed the sense of mischievous fun so well!
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Indeed… reaching old age is often more simple than you think… and maybe being served a spoonful of luck
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This is absolutely stunning, Lillian 😀 it was a joy to hear you read this one aloud at the LIVE event. 💝
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What an apt picture you’ve painted of that scene! And of course a wise conclusion
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Heart-warming, I feel like I was in the room with him and the assembled crowd. Good advice too! Sorry I missed you reading this tonight, Lillian.
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I really enjoyed your character–and your reading, too. Funny and touching.
My grandfathers and my mom made it into their 90s (my mom was 97), but I can imagine them giving similar advice.
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I just responded to Sanaa’s work, & called her Lillian. I may be headed for a room adjoining this gentleman’s any day now. Loved hearing you read this, Lillian. Can’t wait for the next Live OLN; maybe I’ll be more prepared… Salute!
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That’s good advice! What a gentle image of old age. I like that he’s a real person, not an idea. (K)
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The ending made me grin. This is such an excellent poem! 😀
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❤ This is excellent, and I really enjoyed hearing you read it earlier today.
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A delight to hear your read these eloquent verses as I listened to the recording earlier. Sorry I missed it today 💕
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A wonderfully nostalgic poem. Love the line… as candles dripped life-time moments… and watch where you step! Great advice.
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So much fun watching your performance … I loved the poem and I have to say you are quite the delight.
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I could see the scene as you read – his fellow residents gathered in song and he at ease in the setting.
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I so enjoyed your reading, Lill, and your poem made me smile. Sadly, I haven’t met many centenarians, but yours is certainly a character. I love the way you painted a picture of his surroundings and, apart from his sage comment, I love these lines:
‘Balloons hovered above his head
as candles dripped life-time moments
onto pastel fondant flowers.
He spied the festive paper plates,
too thin for the thick slab he desired.’
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I watched the video, and enjoyed the twinkle and smile in your voice as you read it. I hope you drop by to read BLACKTHORNE later. I do so enjoy the live readings, very much open mic country. As an ex-actor, when I read or recite, I imagine myself being Richard Burton reading Dylan Thomas.
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Just make sure you open them wide
to watch where you step.
One of the best pieces of advice to adopt. Apparently one must be very careful not to be stifled halfway!
Hank
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I enjoyed hearing you read this on the recording! to Life!!!
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The last verse made me smile.
Pat
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