“Don’t Waste Them”
By Cujo

Batteries run dry and get replaced
People run dry and become wrinkle-faced
But I’ll say this for them
Don’t waste them
They’re not done yet
Don’t throw them away
They have a lifetime of experience
Chase them
Hear – and actually listen to – their stories
Don’t waste them
Race to invite them
Learn from their lessons
Avoid historical reap-
Historical reap-
Historical repeating of their mistakes
Don’t push them aside
Treat them with grace
Don’t waste them
Maybe they can no longer hoist the heavy load
Maybe they’re a little stuck in the ways of old
But in greys? There’s gold
It won’t require a pick-axe, just patience
The investment is time
Search for more than straight facts
I’ve never cried while reading
A horrific act of history in a book
Anachronistic tact of listening
Can open you up to swimming in
Oceans of emotion
Look like hieroglyphic stacks of mystery
More accessible than wizardry
There’s volumes of subjective imagery
Waiting to be paged through
Observations of endurance and engagement
Of existence and sage wisdom
So I’ll say it again
This time for you
More than for them
Don’t waste them

About the poet/poem:

I’ve been teaching in senior living communities for about 8 years now, and I’m often stunned by my interactions with residents there. So many have shared incredible stories with me — stories of history, love, loss, triumph, defeat. I fear that an important connection is being lost between generations, and this poem is a reminder to gather up your patience and listen to the stories of our elders even if they meander or wind. Later this year I will be leading a number of poetry writing workshops for older adults at the ADRC in order to help them rediscover their voice and share their stories.