About the Author Donna M. Gray is a New Englander by birth and transplanted to Virginia 25 years ago. She married with children and grandchildren. She has been retired from the business world for four years. She is also a lung cancer survivor which led her on a mission to pursue a writing career. An avid writer since childhood, she has had several poems published in anthologies and has won awards in various contests. Sh has recently expanded her writing to include children.

When I was a child -
They did not call me difficult
nor did they call me wild-child;
They said I was... a free spirit.

When I was a young adult -
They did not say I was gullible,
a ding-bat or a space cadet;
They said I was.... unique.

And now -
As I enjoy the privileges of
being a senior citizen,
They do not call me
that crazy old lady;
No, no! I have now become....eccentric.