Walking With Mom

Going for a walk with my mom was not easy,
Frequent stops of hellos would make me dizzy,
I wondered why she would smile at so many,
Time is also a precious penny.

Now I understand why she stopped to greet,
For many, her smile and hello  was their daily treat.
She understood-old age is lonely and hard,
Not many halt to say hello in the yard.

Now, I understand why she was perky and patient,
My perspectives on life were naive and nascent,
Sharing concerns are what make us humane,
Though, chides during youth were in vain.

Now, I understand, life is more than a series of chore(s),
I too, one day, will be old with a reputation to ramble and bore,
Narrate old tales, health troubles, and older lore,
Others too will be interested in other things more.

I too will wish someone would stop and talk,
Smile and greet and ask me about my walk.
I too will wish someone would not be in a hurry,
Stop, smile, small-talk and not want to escape and scurry.