This is a poem about a woman being called Ma'am for the first time. It sends shockwaves through her body. She cringes inside wondering how old age took her by surprise. 

————

It seems like yesterday

she was strolling gracefully through the dance hall

turning the heads of many men

but now her stride is slow

gripping both hands on the grocery cart.

As a young, perky cashier with long flowing brunette hair

sends shockwaves her way saying that dreaded word “Ma’am”,

making her feel like someone poked her in the eye

with a young whippersnapper loading her groceries

repeating it even louder.

She simply smiles, silently cringing inside

wondering how old age took her by surprise

leaving her completely clueless

until that fateful word

Ma’am, echoed through her mind.

It must have come like a thief in the night

without knocking on the door,

tossing those golden years upon her

while she was fast asleep.

By Brenda Arledge

From: United States

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