The International Year of The Older Person,
It looks as if our time has come at last;
The world has come to recognize the fact,
Most good things that we have came from the past.

We laboured and we dreamed and we planned,
To make the future better for our kin;
Our efforts tho' did bring some small reward, 
But didn't stop at all the mess we're in.

The values we held dear are disappearing,
Honesty, truth and goodness were our creed;
The love of self, instead of love for others,
Seems to be taking over, yes indeed.

The pride we took in every small achievement,
Gave us hope the future would be bright;
Spare time was devoted to our children,
For we wanted to make sure they'd be alright.

Things in present times come far to easily,
And too few people want to lend a hand;
The Golden Rule that we all strove to live by,
Is being replaced by things done underhand.

It may be now folk start to realize,
That everything we did was well worthwhile;
And the only things we ask for in return,
Are a thank you, and a wave and a smile.

Just a small consideration for our age,
A thank you, now and then, quiet and discreet;
And a little of the love we gave returned, 
Will make the balance of our lives so very sweet.