Come a little closer I can’t see
Stand a little nearer yet to me
Speak a little louder, I can’t hear
Some relentless object blocks my ear

Come closer, it’s so hard to talk
To tell the truth, it’s hard to walk
There was a time I had a voice
As soft or strong as was my choice

But now my whispers drift away
You cannot hear the words I say
I can’t remember. I forget
Please come a little closer yet

I used to run, I used to dance
I relished every odd romance
I used to act, I knew just how
I cannot bend to take a bow

I think I see you far away
I hope it’s you, I cannot say
You seem so far, you seem to freeze
Oh come a little closer please

Sally Weinraub is 97 years old and has lived in New York City since leaving England as a teenager during World War II. After a long career as an appellate attorney—at a time when women were not welcome in the bar association—she retired and has since become an avid poet and writer, most recently publishing four mystery novels. Her writing is available at www.sallyweinraub.com.

Share This: