Inspiration

This poem appeared in Dorothy Garlock's 1986 novel, Wayward Wind. She cited her mother, Nan Carroll Phillips as the probable author. I first read this book in the mid 1990's, while still in middle school, and this poem served as an inspirational springboard for my own writing. I loved the poem so much, that as a child I created a melody for it that I still find myself humming or singing today. I hope you enjoy these words as much as I have :)

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Will You Love Me When I'm Old?

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When my hair has turned to silver,

and my eyes shall dimmer grow,

I will lean upon some loved one

through my twilight years I go.

I will ask you of a promise,

worth to me a world of gold;

It is only this, my darling:

that you'll love me when I'm old.

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Through the stream of life together,

we are sailing side by side,

hoping some bright day to anchor,

safe beyond the surging tide.

Today our sky is cloudless,

but the night may clouds unfold;

though clouds may gather 'round us,

will you love me when I'm old?