Saturday, September 18, 2010

Poetry: Couldn't Have Been Better Timing

I opened the family Round Robin letter today. I wish I could remember how many years this letter has been circulating. Since I don't know exactly, I'll just say it's been around for many, many years.
I was skimming through the letters and saw a peach colored envelope. Since envelopes just asked to be opened, I pulled it out and read it first. A letter and two poems, written by my great aunt Vivian were waiting inside. I'm going to publish her poem on this little blog of mine...for it fit right into the last topic.
About Me
I looked in the mirror
And what did I see?
But a very old lady
Looking back at me.
And I asked myself
Could that possibly be me?
For I don't feel as old
As that lady looks to be.
But wrinkles have come
And baggy eyes, too
Hair not yet white
But eyes sill blue.
As the years have come
And taken their toll,
It's the way of life
As we all have been told.
I'm one hundred three
As I write this rhyme
But I never thought
That age would be mine.
Vivian Burch
born August 7, 1906
No matter your age, no matter where you live or what life brings your way, you are never prepared for this thing called age.
Aunt Vivian is 104; sharp and 'with it'. Though her handwriting is getting a little more difficult to read, she still writes her own letters and poetry - which she has written for many years.
Her words always leaves a smile on my face. When she questions why she has lived so long, her family knows exactly why. Her letters and poems travel to her extended family, far and wide, bringing each one of us a smile, joy and hope. I am grateful I found her envelope in the stack of letters today.
love kathryn

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you and Jim! We have an Aunt Vivian ... we call her Aunt Virginia, but she's just 86, a youngster to Aunt Vivian. If you take Aunt Virginia anywhere take your lunch ... she loves people and a trip to the store is 5 minutes of shopping and an hour visiting with anyone she can engage in conversation. Thanks for the poem. Love you - matthew

Anonymous said...

Love the poem and love this idea of round robin communicating in your family. Guess there's no discussion of politics in it or are you all on the same page? :-) I can imagine what would happen if a round robin communication circulated on my father's side of the family. The envelope would be on fire when it arrived! LOL.

Much love,
Lisa

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing your Aunt Vivien's words. They bring a smile to my face as well. :-) Peggy

Anonymous said...

Dear Kathryn, the Round Robin letter has been going around since before 1947 when your Dad & I were married. We always get it about every 6 or so weeks. Aunt Vivian has always written on it and put her little poems in. What a blessing that has been to the family. Love your blog. Love, Mom