The Person We See Poem by Noreen Carden
The Person We See
Grey wispy hair pokes through her hat
Waddling homeward on worn down heels
Carrying bags that hit and bump
on legs as they hurry through city streets
Sitting alone in her cold flat
She dreams by the fire of days long gone
When she was looked at not just seen
When she was pretty and young and strong
Once she wore silk against her skin
Heads would turn as she walked in
Her opinion was sought and acted upon
Her smile could cause a soul to yearn
That was in the long ago when friends
were plenty and troubles few
Now people look but never see
The person that she used to be
This is an unsentimental look at ageing - Yeats's Cast a cold eye. The amazing result is that it filled with genuine sentiment, nothing forced on the reader, nothing artificial. As I read it I felt the person we see is also the person we are. (If I were reading this poem in my 20s my reaction would be much different!) You describe A Day in the Life of - type scenario, in which living goes forward and memories stay put. Whether those memories cause bitterness or relief depends on the individual. I like to think this woman is well balanced and is ageing with dignity, if not grace. But I don't deny her grace! !
Very well-written poem. It is funny how people view others. Congrats...well-deserved poem of the day!
ah, but truly she still is; excellent, vivid story-telling, great to read!
four years and i'm back and enjoyed it once again. i've had it in MyPoemList and now shall put it into my/our June 2017 showcase for PH poets, along with your Poet's Notes. your name will be along with the poem and i'll let you know when poems are ready for viewing; i'll probably send the showcase to you. let me know if you object or if you have questions. i hope you are not banging your legs too much these days! Thanks. bri :)
A sad but beautiful poem, Noreen. I know the feeling. Thank you for sharing Peace
Well illustrated time by age past and present. Nice watercolor, canvas shown a different thrust of passion by heart.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
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11/16/2025 4:28:15 AM # 1.0.0
Now people look but never see The person that she used to be............................ Another great poem Noreen. Another strong message. Wonderful.