Personal Knowledge

With age comes strength
Strength of will
Strength of knowledge
Strength of experience
Strength of knowing what is right.

At least, us old farts dare to hope
You will find that
And know us
As we’ve lived it.

Our strength comes from perspective
We’ve had our challenges
Our setbacks
Our failures
We know we are not perfect

We’ve had our successes
Our moments of fantasy
Come to life
Our wishes
Sometimes they came true

We’ve built up our armor
We are now immune to attacks
We know we are not always right
But we’ve been there
We’ve lived it
So,
We have a voice.

We still
Have the ability to learn
Adjust to new adversities
As they say
With age comes wisdom
And the ability to deal with IT

Now, we can offer guidance
Gentle and honest
Heartfelt and given with love
With wrinkled hands and crepey skin
Memories of being young
With tears in our eyes,
From a youth well lived

With strength in our hearts
Hoping you will listen
With empathy and love
Not for us – but for your kids
Our grandkids.

I think most of what I say falls on deaf or dismissive ears
With patience and love,
Tempered with my own biases, ignorance and selfish stupidity
I offer my age-old wisdom

Us old farts also have
Humility and compassion
And understanding
Of failure and success
And relationships we lost
And those we still cherish
And love.

I know I’m getting old
But when I look at you …
I hope you know
You are loved.