Inspiration – Poems to Counteract Ageism

For the Inspiration at the September 2 meeting, Deann Olson presented two poems written in response to a challenge by the Seniors’ Council of Douglas County on Changing the Narrative: Ending Ageism Together. The poems, written by Rotarian Ron Saatjian and Deann’s daughter Susan Fikany, appear below.

If you feel inspired by the poems that Deann presented, you can still write and enter a poem yourself through September 15. For more information, see https://changingthenarrativeco.org/every-age-counts-poetry/

The Wrinkle of my Skin, by Ron Saatjian

Judge me not by the wrinkle of my skin,

But by the vast experience residing within;

Come to me when you don’t know,

For I have likely seen it before;

Ask me how we handled it,

And how we would do it better this time;

Ask me what is important because I have learned,

That service to others is what really matters;

How can I help? You may be surprised;

Value my age, my wrinkles are prized!

Too Young to Be Old, by Susan Fikany