The Young and The Old

 Last month I wrote this poem 

Of Chapters Closed as I contemplated the impact of

The Changing of the Guard next door

(aka new owners of the farm next door)...as young farmers kicked up

the dust of planting crops and dreams.

It officially changes hands on June 1st

...now, just to clarify for my own peace of mind;

the farmer that is retiring is by NO means old!!

(he is the in the age-bracket of hubby and I😀)

He is just ready to hand over the reins to younger drivers...

(H-m-m! I wonder which one is the bride-to-be...scouting out their dream-home💓)

The young have the ambition that within the old has waned

The old have gathered wisdom that the young have not yet gained

The young have dreams enough to withstand work, grueling and hard

The old have borne Time’s sleight of hand and changing of the guard

The young are young enough to feel that Time is on their side

The old have been old long enough to know how swift its stride

Then thank God for the young where fire burns within their veins

And thank God for the old, willing to hand over the reins

The old train and equip the young, knowing what Time will do

…how soon the younger will become the older, yes, it’s true

For what once seemed remote and something other people bear

Has run its course across their skin, its fingers through their hair

The young have what it takes to make the old loosen their grip

The old have what it takes to make the young tighten the ship

The young have hopes not hampered by energy's empty jars

The old have sense enough not to throw water at the stars

© Janet Martin

So...
This week-end is bittersweet; though we look forward to meeting our new neighbours,
we sure will miss the old!
 our life-long farmer-neighbours are moving/retiring!
 Couldn't have asked for better neighbours,
always so kind, generous and helpful
and we certainly wish them the best yet to come!