The Autumn Of Life Poem by Susanta Pattnayak

In the quiet hours of the setting sun,
I sit and wonder, 'Where has time gone? '
The echoes of laughter, the whispers of tears,
A lifetime of moments, woven through years.

Once, these hands built dreams so high,
Held tiny fingers, wiped tears dry.
Now they tremble, not from fear,
But from stories etched in every tear.

The world rushes, too fast, too loud,
Yet I stand still amidst the crowd.
Once sought for wisdom, now passed by,
A silent shadow beneath the sky.

But do not mistake this silvered hue,
For a heart that's tired or dreams too few.
Within me burns a gentle flame,
A soul unchanged, forever the same.

I long not riches, nor fleeting fame,
But a voice that calls my name.
A touch that lingers, a smile that stays,
Love that warms my autumn days.

So sit with me, talk a while,
Hold my hand, share a smile.
For though my steps may falter slow,
My heart still beats, my love still flows.

The sun may set, but stars will rise,
New joys await in life's disguise.
Each breath a gift, each day a song,
In golden years, I still belong.



Susanta Pattnayak