A simple Folk song. Nothing fancy, just a song from the heart.
It's been a year since my mother died and this is a song I wrote as I was visiting with her. A lyric inspired by the conversations we had at that time, who she was and who she would want to be.
While searching for a picture for the song I find that the Mandarin character for listening is a combination of eyes, ears and heart... well there you go. You think you are original but you're just re-discovering what is already known.
THIS OLD HEART.
These old eyes has seen so far,
By constant sun, by flickering stars.
They've seen the kindness of strangers
and the carelessness of friends
they've watched the children grow
Seen hard times begin and end.
And they keep looking out for love
for the next smile to begin.
They've learnt to see the beauty where a glance
might just see sin.
These old ears
have listened long,
In tuneless cities, harmonious homes.
They've heard the joy when friends meet
and their sadness in goodbye
Heard the weeping at the graveside
the gasps at bady's cry
And they'll keep listening out for love
for the laughter and the pain.
They've learnt to gentle listen till there's strength
to try again.
This old heart,
has loved so strong.
Though sometimes broken
it's kept its warmth.
It's loved through thick and thin
Through the smiles and tears.
This old heart has stayed open.
This old heart has shown no fear.
And it keeps making room for love,
gives it unconditionally.
This old heart will not judge you for it knows
the faults in me.
And I keep looking out for love
I'll keep listening for its name.
My heart may be old
but there's still time to love again.
For age is not a burden but a marvel revelled in.
Where the colours of my memories fill
the days I now live in.
And I wouldn't trade what I know now
for a new chance to be young.
for what I've seen and heard and loved just hints
at the wonders
yet to come.
(Thanks to Prav for support in choosing a title.)
