Elderly Woman's Poem About Wrinkles And Beauty Will Change The Way You View Ageing, Forever

92-Year-Old Pens Poem About Wrinkles, Melts Hearts Everywhere
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An elderly woman's poem about getting older has captured the hearts of thousands.

The beautifully written verse called 'The Gift Wrap & The Jewel' comes from 92-year-old Wanda Goines.

She says that a person's appearance and the way they look as they age is just their "gift wrap", and it's the "jewel" inside that really counts.

In the video above, Wanda recounts her poem and, towards the end when she talks about facing death, her voice wavers and she begins to get teary eyed.

The clip was uploaded to Facebook by Goines' carer, Kathryn Clausnitzer Wilson. It has since been viewed more than 4.5 million times.

Wilson describes Wanda in the post as "the precious lady I am honoured to care for".

The 92-year-old's son David Goines told The Huffington Post that their family was thrilled the video had gone viral and Wanda's poem had been shared.

He said: "She is not long for this earth, and it delights her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well as all those who know her and love her, that she is able to make a contribution to the world, even as she is leaving it."

Here's the poem in all of its glory. If you can sit through the video without crying then you're doing better than us.

I looked in the mirror, and what did I see?

But a little old lady, peering back at me.

With bags and sags and wrinkles, and wispy white hair

And I asked my reflection, how did you get there?

You once were straight and vigorous, and now you're stooped and weak

When I tried so hard to stop you, from becoming an antique.

My reflection's eyes twinkled, and she solemnly replied

You're looking at the gift wrap and not the jewel inside.

A living gem and precious, of unimagined worth

Unique and true, the real you, the only you on earth.

The years that spoil your gift wrap, with other things more cruel

Should purify, and strengthen, and polish up that jewel.

So focus your attention on the inside, not the out

On being kinder, wiser, more content and more devout.

Then, when your gift wrap's tipped away, your jewel will be set free

To radiate God's glory, throughout eternity.

10 Tips For Healthy Ageing
Exercise(01 of10)
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As well as the physical benefits, regular exercise has positive effects on your brain. (credit:ferrantraite via Getty Images)
Stop Smoking(02 of10)
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It’s bad for your body and your brain. (credit:Yagi Studio via Getty Images)
Attend Regular Health Checks(03 of10)
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Make use of health checks on offer: contact your GP surgery for information. (credit:Hero Images via Getty Images)
Be Sociable(04 of10)
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Avoid the harmful effects of loneliness by keeping up your social contacts. (credit:Thomas Barwick via Getty Images)
Eat & Drink Well(05 of10)
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Adopt a Mediterranean diet or similar which is rich in nuts, whole grains and fruit, vegetables and oily fish, alcohol in moderation. (credit:Chris Gramly via Getty Images)
Manage Stress(06 of10)
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Keep your stress levels and your blood pressure down. (credit:Muriel de Seze via Getty Images)
Rest(07 of10)
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Get enough sleep. Most experts suggest about eight hours a night. (credit:BreBa via Getty Images)
Challenge Yourself(08 of10)
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Keep your brain active and challenge yourself: through work or volunteering. People in jobs that demand complex dealings with people or data are more likely to stay mentally sharp in later life (credit:LarsHallstrom via Getty Images)
Learn A Language(09 of10)
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People who speak more than one language are more likely to stay sharp in old age. (credit:Jupiterimages via Getty Images)
Love Later Life(10 of10)
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A positive attitude towards growing older can increase your life expectancy by up to seven and a half years. (credit:Jose Luis Pelaez Inc via Getty Images)