Don’t Ignore Me Because I’m Old 
 
	Don’t ignore me because I’m old.
	For within me, there is pure gold
	of the past. It’s dross burnt away.
	Letting me see its best this way.

	My hair silvered with the same dreams
	That could tease and torment you too.
	My uncertain walk does not show
	The youthful strength that carried me
	Where ever I wanted to go.

	I think now, walking down the street,
	How spine tingling to tramp along
	With a heavy pack on my back. 
	And on my lips a joyous song.
	And in my heart a quiet peace.
 
	My dim eyes have seen the glory 
	Of cold mountain tops, burning sands. 
	In forests, fields and roaring falls, 
	And man at home in distant lands. 

	In my being are many drawers 
	That could be pulled out and enjoyed. 
	The filing cabinets of my mind 
	Are jammed full of exciting things. 
	That you would never think to find 
	To see me now with what time brings. 

	Don’t ignore me because I’m old. 
	There is within me the pure gold 
	Of excitement, dreams and desires. 
	That still fill my life with their fires. 

	Let times that are ahead of you 
	Be of pure gold when you are old. 
	Leaving your face touched with laughter 
	And the peace that follows after. 
	I look old but my mind has wings 
	To take me back to remember 
	Those years of golden happenings. 

 
	M. Dolores Dennis, August 23, 1995  
	Erie County Senior Center’s Talent Show. 
	In honor of all the older people with their 
	hidden spice of life.