My Age UK Friend

I used to be an Age UK Befriender and had the most wonderful relationship with a very special lady who was 90 plus years young.

Our Friday get-togethers enriched both of our lives immensely.  Sadly my dear friend passed away earlier this year.  I captured our time together in a poem. Memories that will stay with me always.  If you have any spare time on your hands I would thoroughly recommend doing this.

My AGE UK Friend

I recall with so much fondness
The many hours we once shared
No topic ever out of bounds
As our lives we once compared

We’d meet up every Friday
Supposedly from one till two
As I saw the pleasure in your eyes
I’d spend much more time with you

We’d chat about your younger years
Such great stories to behold
From your childhood to your working life
I watched your life unfold

Our village had been your home
Almost your entire life
You told me of your better years
And of your worries and your strife

Your legs, they would let you down
So you couldn’t leave your home
But that’s OK, we walked the streets
As our minds were free to roam

You’d ask me “what is new in town”?
So I’d always come prepared
With stories of our changing world
For which you truly cared

Your eyes and ears were failing you
But that didn’t stop our pleasure
I’d talk real loud so you could hear
And find big pictures you could treasure

I’d make you apple crumble
As a treat for after lunch
Your eyes would twinkle gleefully
As you began to munch

I’d bring my dogs to visit you
I could see the joy it gave
“Sit down dogs, I have biscuits
As long as you behave”

Two years passed so quickly
And your health began to sway
Our weekly visits sadly stopped
When you finally moved away

Then letters I would write
Your carers read to you I’m sure
I’d tell you all the latest news
Just as I’d done before

News came that you have passed away
You reached your journey’s end
I thank you for the memories
My precious, dearest friend

© Maxine Bailey
June 2021