Week 10 (May 24-30)

By Antonia Lastreto Allegra
Alumna of Schools of the Sacred Heart in San Francisco, California, '59 and '63

PATINA PEOPLE

Once a million years ago
Last week
I felt close to all people
to speak, to whisper dreams,
to hum magical tunes
to wonder.

Now, since going through the door, a change
A new understanding: the universal range
of loving all people
is still there...
I still care
But it's the patina people
who really speak to me.

Those people worn around the edges from loving,
Their brilliant shine dulled by years of giving,
Their immediate smile speaks of sincerity.

They are the real people,
their numbers are few,
but their loving influence
is the strength of many.

The patina people are the past,
for without it, they would not be
so strongly in the present,
shining for us all.

And the future...Yes, they are there,
For patina people never leave us.