Talk to Me When I'm Old

Talk to me like I’m not there,

And I will disappear.

Talk about me, in front of me, a piece of furniture,

And I will withdraw, resentful.

The glazed look in my eyes will be a shield

Against your stupidity.

I’m not deaf and I sure am not dumb.

I just can’t remember what I ate for breakfast.

Tell me a story and I will feel

The same passions you do.

My feelings have not evaporated

with my short-term memory.

I am living. I am alive.
​
Talk to me.