Solace by: Stacy Kuropata, Watercolor, 2014.
Will You Love Me When I’m Old?
by: Rey T. Lataquin
with notes by his daughter, L. Lourella L. Cruz
I would ask of you, my darling, a question soft and low
That gives me some heartache, as the moments come and go.
Your love I know is truthful, but the truest love grows cold;
It is this that I would ask you: “Will you love me when I’m old?”
Life’s morn will soon be waning, and its evening bells be tolled,
But my heart shall know no tint of sadness, if you’ll love me when I’m old.
Down the stream of life together, we are sailing side by side;
Hoping some bright day to anchor, safe beyond the surging tide.
Today our sky is cloudless, but the night may clouds unfold;
But, though storms may gather, will you love me when I’m old?
When my hair shall be like snow, and my eyes shall dim its glow,
I would lean upon some loved one, through the valley as I go.
I would claim of you a promise, worth to me a world of gold;
It is only this, my darling, that you’ll love me when I’m old.
When tatay[1] turned 70, he had a “wake up call” regarding his health and mortality. He became more aware of his aging body. His eyesight was dimmed with cataracts, and health issues popped one by one. His hair had been turning
gray, pre–maturely, even before he turned 40, but at 70, all strands of hair were silvery white.
I believe the above reasons compelled Tatay to write the next poem, “Will You Love Me When I’m Old?”
(L.L.L. Cruz)
1. “Tatay” is a Phillipino endearment, which translates to “father” in English.