To my 21 year old
Real estate agent
Who said 'get out'
I forgive

To my 56 year old
Teacher of teens
Who said 'think of the kids'
I forgive 

To my 65 year old
Neighbour and friend 
Who said 'so what?'
I forgive 

To my 52 year old
Love of my heart
Who said 'call a helpline'
I forgive

To my 75 year old
Source of my life
Who said 'shut up'
I forgive

To grow the wisdom 
Of all your years
Combined
For I give
How not to live
To my children
As a gift

With the years
Of our elders
I have cared for
In the thousands
With tuned ears
Wiped tears
I have armour
For the battle

Gifts of wisdom
Planted into
Ears of listeners 
Guard against 
Careless whispers