Kaleidoscope
of Advice

There’s something missing in my home,
I feel it day and night.
I know it will take time and strength
Before things feel quite right.

But just for now, I need to mourn,
My heart…it needs to mend.
Though some may say it’s just a pet,
I know I’ve lost a friend.

You’ve brought such laughter to my home,
And richness to my days…
A constant friend through joy or loss,
With gentle, loving ways.

Companion, pal, and confidante,
A friend I won’t forget.
You’ll live for always in my heart,
My sweet, forever pet.

By Ann Leyh

What would we do without you,
My precious, furry friend?
Part mischief, but all blessing
And faithful to the end.

You look at us with eyes of love.
You never hold a grudge…
You think we’re far too wonderful
To criticize or judge.

It seems your greatest joy in life
Is being close to us.
We think God knew how comforting
Your warm, soft fur would be.

We know you think you’re human,
But we’re glad it isn’t true…
The world would be a nicer place
If folks were more like you.

A few short years are all we have;
One day we’ll have to part…
But you, my pet, will always have
A place within our heart.

By Ann Leyh

The best way to take age is in a bottle, so they say,
‘Cause like the bottle we get older each and every day.

Aging is something we can’t control even if we’re super smart,
But remember you’re only as old as you feel in your heart.

Sometimes it’s hard to deny that you’re getting older.
You may notice a slower gate and a stoop in your once straight shoulder.

Your memory’s not as good as it used to be,
And you’re apt to spend hours just looking for a key.

You fall asleep when you watch TV,
You need trifocals now, just to see.

Your joints are sore and your back is weak,
Your body doesn’t look so smooth and sleek.

Sometimes you wish you could turn back the clock,
But when you stop, remember, and take stock,

You’re glad to be through with all those youthful tribulations and trials,
And now you only have to sit back and dish out the smiles.

By Ann Leyh

Age diminishes you as a woman… that’s the current theory.
Don’t you tire of all the anti-aging gimmicks… don’t they make you weary?
Why not embrace the gifts that come with age… that’s my advice,
Cherish those lines, admit your age, and don’t even think twice.

Otherwise you’ll be kept from knowing your authentic self forever,
And enjoying all the gifts of wisdom that age brings with each endeavor.
Open your heart to others, be yourself, and experience real joy
Don’t worry what others think or say.. it’s only an empty ploy.

Remember, those who live life solely on the physical plane
Are usually shallow and extremely vain.
They measure worth in terms of youth and beauty,
And find no one attractive unless she’s a young well-endowed “cutie”.

Feel sorry for them, for they’ve missed life’s meaning,
They see no worth in aging… to them it’s only self-demeaning.
They’re blinded by youthful exteriors… it’s true,
They lack the ability to see that age has beauty too.

By Ann Leyh

My hands aren’t what they used to be
And for that matter, neither is my knee.

Old age is creeping through the door so fast,
Even though I feel like I did in the past.

Can’t run or jump with zest anymore,
Sometimes I have trouble just opening the door.

Jars and bottle lids…boy are they the “pits”
Even after running warm water and administering multiple hits.

Picking things up way down there on the floor.
Well, I just can’t do that with ease anymore.

Putting on socks and pulling up jeans,
Makes me realize, I’m sure not in my teens.

How I long for a pain-free day,
Then I could go outside to work and not have to pay!

But those times come less frequently now than before,
As I grab for the ibuprofen and take some more.

Sometimes I think to be young again would be so great,
Then, I stop, think, and contemplate

On all those trials and tribulations of learning and yearning when I was young and bold,
And suddenly, I realize there are so many advantages of growing old!

By Ann Leyh