A Very Wise Woman Poem by Francis Duggan

How can you feel happy for others if your mind is bereft of joy
That's what the wise woman said to me when I was a nine year old boy
A gray haired sagess in her seventies one even quite wise for her years
But I was too young and too foolish to respect the wisdom of old dears
Since she did speak her words of wisdom some fifty three years have gone by
Yet I often reflect on what she said her wise words to life did apply
Yet she was not well educated one without a college degree
Knowledge and wisdom are not siblings though some with that may disagree
Back then I was young and quite foolish and to her words did not pay heed
But now I realize how wise she was the World of her type is in need
What she said to some may seem simple but simple words to greatness can give rise
Some who live a simple existence can often be so very wise
How can you feel happy for others if your mind is bereft of joy
Wise words from a very wise woman to a silly nine year old boy.