Clinging Vine*
We always wanted to be self-reliant
The weakness of old age makes us defiant
The Strong, free-standing people we admired
To be like them we always aspired
But that’s a goal the years make us resign
And now we change our role to clinging vine
Reluctantly we find it is our duty
To Show the world another kind of beauty
by Margery Wells Steer*
Last month I wrote about discovering the poetry of Margery Wells Steer. The picture above of one of my favorite anonymous couples reminded me of the poem Clinging Vine. I hadn’t seen them much this winter but yesterday couldn’t resist. This poem as do most in Margery’s book make me appreciate life and scenery in Cape May. You should grab a copy.
*Clinging Vine from The View in Winter by Margery Wells Steer, published by Southbound Press and used with permission.
What a lovely sentiment, and thanks for linking it to this, one of my favorite poems by my grandmother. I feel so fortunate to have witnessed her gentle but strong evolution from matriarch to receiver of care and finally, to spirit.
John,they are a lovely couple and both live here in my neck of the woods.They dote on each other and like several of my older neighbors they’ve shown me how to age gracefully. The poem you posted with the picture is perfect.Thank you.It’s sleeting right now on Washington St.and they and I are sitting inside looking out.
Beautiful poem. I can’t help but smile when I see them walking up or down Washington Street.
Author
Thanks for reading Diane- Its a great little book of poetry by Margery. Sometime Id like to interview you or Ed about retiring from the Innkeeping business and your careers.