Who Am I? Author Unknown Shared by Doreen Lobo

The below poem is one making the rounds on social media. It resonated with me and I thought I'd share this soul searching reflection on how we generally live our lives, but in later years discover that a life well lived is one filled with love and non-materialistic values. 

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After retirement,
with no job,
no routine,
and a quiet house echoing with silence…
I finally began to discover my true self.

Who am I?

I built bungalows,
raised farmhouses,
invested in ventures big and small,
yet now,
I find myself bound within four simple walls.

From bicycle to moped,
bike to car,
I chased speed and style —
but now, I walk slowly,
alone, inside my room.

Nature smiled and asked,
“Who are you, dear friend?”
And I replied

“I am... just me.”

I’ve seen states, countries, continents,
but today,
my journeys stretch
only from the drawing room to the kitchen.
I learned about cultures and traditions,

but now,
I simply long to understand
my own family.

Nature smiled again,
“Who are you, dear friend?”
And I said,

“I am... just me.”

Once I celebrated birthdays, engagements, weddings in grand style —
but today, look forward to having slept well and feel hungry

Nature asked once more,
“Who are you, dear friend?”
And I answered,

“I am... just me.”

Gold, silver, diamonds, pearls —
sleep quietly in lockers.
Suits and blazers —
hang untouched in wardrobes.

But now,
I live in soft cotton,
simple and free.

I once mastered English, French, Hindi —
but now, I find comfort
in talking in my mother tongue.

I travelled endlessly for work,
and now,
I reflect on those profits and losses —
measured in memories.

I ran businesses,
nurtured a family,
built many connections,

but now,

my dearest companion
is the kind neighbour next door.

I once followed every rule,
strived in education —
but now I finally see
what truly matters.

After all of life’s highs and lows,
in a quiet moment,
my soul whispered back to me.

Enough now…
Get ready,

O Traveller…
It’s time to prepare for the final journey…

Nature smiled gently,
“Who are you, dear friend?”
And I replied:

“O Nature,
You are me…
And I am you.

Once I soared in the skies,
Now I touch the earth with grace.
Forgive me…
Give me one more chance to live…
Not as a money-making machine,
But as a true human being —

With values,

With family,

With love.”