She was
just a
bent old
lady
Her hair
was full
of gray
I was
just a
child of
seven
Who had
stepped
outside
to play.
Her
dress
was worn
and
tattered
She
looked
so frail
and thin
But her
eyes
were
warm and
caring
And she
kindly
asked me
in.
As the
morning
hours
were
fading
I recall
her
gentle
plea
Please
stay a
little
longer
And
enjoy a
meal
with me.
I had
no way
of
knowing
That her
shelves
were
nearly
bare
But it
didn't
really
matter
She was
glad to
have me
there.
The meal
was
small
and
meager
But I
felt
like I'd
been
blessed
When I
sat
there at
the
table
And she
served
to me
her
best.
In
honor of
her
memory
This
moment I
will
seize
To be
thankful
for the
bounty
When we
shared a
bowl of
peas.
I am
humbled
by her
spirit
Unblemished
through
the
years
She's
smiling
down
from
heaven
As I
wipe
away
these
tears.
For
she,
too,
still
remembers
That
warm
delightful
day
When a
little
girl of
seven
Had
stepped
outside
to play.
Marilyn Ferguson