The Old Woman in My Future
By Ruth Baird Shaw <>< 1984

Author's Note: This poem seems to speak to many who have heard it. Every time I read it whether for church programs, civic or club groups, or women's retreats, several people always ask for copies. Regardless of our present age, if we live long enough there is an old man or an old woman in our future.

Someday . . .Somehow . . .Somewhere in time
She's waiting . . . I will see
The old woman . . .Time is making
Time is making . . .out of me!

Will she be a sad complainer,
A fretful tenant of the earth?
Or a kind, productive person
Filled with happiness and mirth?

Please be patient . . . God is making
Molding slowly . . . Out of me
A shining portrait . . . He has promised.
Just you wait and see.

He is smoothing out the roughness
Polishing the dreary places
Filling life with joy and gladness
Pouring out His gifts and graces.

God remake me . . . in Your image.
I want to like her . . . when I see
That old woman . . . time is making,
Time is making . . . out of me!