I was old before I was old. My body weary, tired.
The cane that was always by my side left that impression.
It also begged questions, but very few asked.
No matter. When Sunday came, I had the job of a lifetime.
I was the gum man.
Chewing gum, never left home without a supply.
When the children came running, I was ready.
I’d like to think chewing that gum helped some of them sit
through sermons, avoiding pinches and glances.
Anyway, it certainly made them smile. And it made me smile, too.
I wonder if any of them remember me?

Today’s challenge was to write a poem in the form of a monologue delivered by someone who has died. I immediately thought of this sweet man from my childhood. ❤

Find more information and prompts at https://www.napowrimo.net/.