You Don't Know Me

"You Don’t Know Me"

As I walk down the street,

I see your face and wonder if I should smile as we pass.

You don’t know me as a friendly sort.

What do you see when I look at you, I wonder.

Do you see the color of my skin?

Attempting to guess my ethnicity or mood of the day?

You don’t know me—look deeper if you dare.

Do you see the years of experience on my face?

Of the love I have shared with my family and friends?

You don’t know me as a positive and loving person.

As you walk past, I wish you peace and blessings,

to enjoy your life and all that God has to offer you.

May your spirit enjoy life and bless others.

Life is an experience we choose—either positive or negative.

I choose positive outcomes.

Do you see me now?

Vicki Biladeau has lived in Mountlake Terrace, Washington for the past 32 years and is a retired RN.

SHARING STORIES is a weekly column for and about the 50 plus crowd living in the Puget Sound region. Send your stories and photos to ariele@comcast.net. Tell local or personal stories; discuss concerns around aging and other issues; share solutions, good luck, and reasons to celebrate; poems are fine too. Pieces may be edited or excerpted. We reserve the right to select among pieces. Photos are always a plus and a one-sentence bio is requested (where you live, maybe age or career, retired status, etc.).

SHARING STORIES is featured on www.northwestprimetime.com, the website for Northwest Prime Time, a monthly publication for baby boomers, seniors, retirees, and those contemplating retirement. The newspaper can be found in the greater Seattle area and other Puget Sound locations. For more information, call 206-824-8600 or visit www.northwestprimetime.com. To find other SHARING STORIES articles on this website type "sharing stories" in the search function above.