There are certainly many poems and essays about aging and life, most to be found in proper publications. But, on the rare occasion, we should be thankful for the likes of Facebook. Otherwise, the world may have never heard the poem written by 92 year old Wanda B. Goines.
Goines read a poem she wrote about the grace of aging to her caretaker. Kathryn Clausnitzer Wilson loved the read so much she recorded Goines reciting the poem and put it on Facebook. It currently has 4.5 million views and 187,000 shares. “I looked in the mirror and what did I see But a little old lady peering back at me. With bags and sags and wrinkles and wispy white hair. And I asked my reflection, how did you get there? You once were straight and vigorous and now you’re stooped and weak. When I tried so hard to keep you from becoming an antique.
My reflection’s eyes twinkled as she solemnly replied You’re looking at the gift wrap and not the jewel inside. A living gem and precious of unimagined worth. Unique and true, the real you, the only you on earth. The years that spoil your gift wrap with other things more cruel, should purify and strengthen and polish up that jewel. So focus your attention on the inside, not the out, On being kinder, wiser, more content, and more devout. Then when your gift wrap is stripped away, your jewel will be set free To radiate God’s glory throughout eternity.”
