Talk To Me Before I Leave Poem by B.J. Ayers

Do not talk to me as an old man,
Although my appearance accentuates the years,
Talk to me as a husband, father, or grandfather,
Talk to me as one who always said, You can!

Talk to me when you seek advice,
For my knowledge is learned and seen,
Talk to me when you have a problem,
For I have been there, more than twice.

Do not talk to me as old and frail,
Talk to me as one, who cares,
It is not how I look, but how I feel,
My love and intentions were never to fail,

I know things are not the same,
For each era has it's change,
Experience is crucial, when you face life's problems,
So do not forget me, remember my name

I have walked in your shoes,
I have felt your pain,
I have been where you are,
I have also felt the strain,

Talk to me now, before it is too late,
There is a way out, I know I can help
Talk to me now, before I leave,
My next destination, is the Golden Gate.