What's Gone Before!

Author: Bev Woodman
Word Count: 361
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What's Gone Before!

I wrote this poem quite a few years ago and actually had it on Red Bubble originally but withdrew it as I had it entered in a poetry competition recently. This work was inspired by me watching my elderly patients each day, with their dementias and illnesses and then later realising that these people had a life, they were vital people in our society, many holding down important and very interesting jobs. Despite what they did in their earlier days many love to tell their story and I always try to find some time to listen for they hold our communities history, they have seen the changes, they have lived the changes … and they have given so much and done without to do it. This is my little thank you to our aged folk. Do me a favour and document your elderly relatives lives as it is history no matter how grand or how poor. Once they are gone, their stories are lost forever.

What's Gone Before! belongs to the following groups:

All Things Poetic, Artistic, Philosophical, Elderly , Remember When and Something To Say

See that old man sitting there
with his wrinkled skin and graying hair.
Look at him discretely – don’t let him see you stare,
His mind and body broken, and no one seems to care.
Have you thought or really wondered what life he lived before
his age became a burden and life became a chore.

He was a babe, a child, a parents’ joy,
a teenager, with his life yet to explore!
He courted girls and went to school
He worked a trade and learnt the tools.
When came the wars he served his time
then came home to marry the girl he left behind.

He was a friend, a lover to his wife;
He raised his children and sheltered them from strife.
He watched them grow and felt the pain
and joy of each and every girl and boy.
He helped them through their troubled times,
Gave advice and moral support,
Helped with their homework and watched them in their sport.

Now things are grim who thinks of him
Who understands or cares?
Who helps him carry his burden or even tries to share
his troubles and his worries or even dares
To take the time to ask him how he really fares?

No doubt he wouldn’t tell you the truth of how he felt
That he was alone these days and that his hand was almost dealt.
His beloved she has gone before,
His children have found visiting a chore -
Their busy lives and family they endure.
But his needs are forgotten and his company now a bore.

But should you take the time to speak with him
His eyes would light and he’d manage a grin
and you’d find that his life has been interesting.
No doubt he’d tell you many a tale worth documenting but not for sale!

So next time you see him crouching there
Offer him a hand and show you care
No doubt he’ll sound a little gruff or say he’s fine and all that stuff
But treat him as a human and not some wasted flesh
This will brighten his day and help to ease his stress!
© copyright Beverley Woodman 2005

SharonD

Wow, Bev, this is fantastic.
Bev Woodman replied

Thanks Sharon – its an old one but I just love it myself as it say it all about the value of all our lives – just because we all grow old does not mean that we have not led lives of worth. My message is to look beyond the aging face and body and look at the person there and what they have achieved.
kalaryder

Lovely insightful writing
Bev Woodman replied

Thanks for commenting – I really appreciate input into my written work – it means so much to me.
Jan Richardson

Bev, you know how much I think of this poem from my reaction when you posted it on RB before! Wonderful work. and a timely reminder that everybody has a history to pass on. BTW, my Liesure Group really appreciated it when I read it to them last year. Thanks so much for letting me do that. ;-)
Bev Woodman replied

Thanks Jan – I remember it created a stir last time. I entered it into a local comp so I took it off public view to comply with their rules – didn’t win though but there will always be another time. I’m pleased the group enjoyed it though – that was my aim to pass it on to others.
Anna D'Accione

Beautiful Bev. Really brought back memories of some of the oldies (decorated war veterans_) that I looked after when I was working, Thank you
Bev Woodman replied

Thanks Anna for the comment on this one and so pleased you could relate to it.
Enivea

You poem beautifully sums up my experience when I worked in Aged Care some years ago…...and also what I observed when visiting my father during his last years in a hostel. Taking time to connect with these people is extremely rewarding – and remember, there but for the grace of God go I. Thank you very much Bev – your writing is always interesting and this is special.
Bev Woodman replied

Thank you Enivea – I do appreciate your kind words and especially that you know what I’m trying to say.
jadeast

This evokes so many feelings of lost opportunities to have learned about my own parents lives! While my own has had many ups and downs, theirs must have had many more hardships than mine due to the time that they lived in!
Bev Woodman replied

Hi Jade – you’ve been quiet – its always nice to hear from you. I think we all feel regret after our parents have gone that we didn’t ask more of their lives. I thought I knew it all but didn’t – I actually didn’t know much at all. I think this is why I try to convince people to document their stories as it is so important. Thanks for understanding what I tried to say.
jadeast

I think you said it very well Bev! As a parent who’s live has been at times very chaotic, I deal with the negative image my ex constantly paints of me! My children for the most part have learned to see beyond that, but I have rarely discussed that part of my life with them and I often wonder how much of that is true. It’s much the same with my own parents’ lives, There’s what I think I know but in all likelyhood, it only brushes on the truth!
barnsis

Instant favorite, I have always loved talking to old people; their stories were the real history of our country. Now I am becoming one and wonder if any one will want to listen to me.
Bev Woodman replied

Thank you so much for the lovely comment. You don’t wait for someone to ask or listen to you, just document it and put it amongst your papers, maybe the local family history group might like a copy too. If there is someone researching the family, give them a copy as its amazing what your memories may lead to in their research. Our stories are history, they add meat to the bones of family history research.
EarthGipsy

No change from me – still think this is fabulously emotive!

Oh so well written.
Bev Woodman replied

Thanks Sonia!!