Continued Growth

Listen to the elder

Even if they can’t talk[1]

Let them lift you

Even if they can’t walk

This is not so common anymore

That is maybe why we are so bore

Ignoramuses galore

As dumb as a door

Oh so very poor

Maybe this is why we are commanded to honor the elders[2]

It’s more for us then for them

Their wisdom[3] can turn children into men

The old man

Also can

Continue to grow

For we never know

“True age doesn't go by the passport[4]”

And you can’t forge it

This you can’t distort

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[1] There is a Kotzker thought: “A baby learns how to talk, as you grow older you learn how to be quiet (and listen)” – Pisgamim Nivcharim p. 111

[2] See the posuk in Kedoshim 19:32

[3] See Iyov 32:7: “With age comes wisdom”.

[4] Saying of the Rebbe Rayatz – quoted in Toras Menachem vol. 3 p. 18.