Dear Grumpy: A Love Poem

Linda Pack Butler
Nov 2 · 1 min read
Credit: Google Images

First:

When you are old and grey and full of sleep…

William Butler Yeats

Then:

When you’re old, grey, and full of sleep (like now)

And nod upon the couch or — anywhere,

And snores escape to wake you anyhow,

I trace the lines upon your brow, you bear.

When youth beside us stands as a young man

And we, as old as ever we were young

(‘Tho times are no simpler nor more in hand),

And your step falls right in old paths’ old dung,

I trace the lines upon your brow, my bear.

They soften like clouds and then disappear.

You turn, and reach to pull me in your lair.

Bear is gone, and my Love, you reappear!

Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade