The Autumn of My Life
By Paul Wilson


The old man looked upwards towards the changing sky
while walking well worn path from mail box to front door
The years have taken their toll on his frail body
memories and pain are all that’s left, nothing more

Eighty years of hard work, always giving his all
never complaining about the bad times he had
Too old to work anymore…his body broken
his memory starting to fail…lonely and sad

His wife is now gone…to her reward in Heaven
as the sun now sets he touchesher rocking chair
He remembers that day in May they got married
she wore a dress of white with flowers in her hair

The love they shared was so special in many ways
sharing all the laughter, joy and even the pain
Working side by side…always together each day
in the fields… raising their crops and praying for rain

They never had much when it came to wealth and things
but they had each other to comfort every night
Years have passed so quick, wondering where did they go
he begins to talk to her like he does each night

The wind begins to blow as darkness brings a chill
from out of the North while he sits in their porch swing
He hears a voice calling to him from far away
we will be together soon… sharing everything

He prepares nightly meal with memories and dreams
from days gone by as leaves begin to fall from trees
The time has come he says looking in the mirror
at his reflection and the loniness he sees

Lying in their bed tears fall from his eyes each night
to the soft pillow where she use to lay her head
Tonight will be different, he knows his time is near
he says his final prayer…nothing more to be said