Monday 6 January 2020

Old Age

Oh dear.   It has just taken me about an hour to write a relatively simple letter about my car to the garage where I have it serviced.   I kept hitting the wrong keys and my hands were shaky.   I had just come in from Book Group and was in a hurry (not a good time to attempt anything I agree).   But I am sure everyone over seventy reading this will agree that there is no fun in getting old - you have to laugh and joke about it, otherwise you would cry!!

Yesterday, tidying a book shelf after taking down my Christmas cards, I came across a little note book holding some of the poems I wrote in 2010.  It is perhaps wrong to call them 'poems' - I stopped writing because I became aware that what I was writing was rubbish poetry really.   But this poem, when I read it this morning, just hit the spot.  So I thought I would put it on for my post today - just about sums up my feelings!

Reflections.

Where has she gone that slender girl
with shining hair and pale, clear skin?
I look in the glass and see no trace
of that young girl; although within
my head she's just the same.

The thickening waist, the greying hair,
the creaking joints, the wrinkled face -
all tell me tales of passing time.
Yet in my head they have no place
in this life's ageing game.

Inside December still gives way to June.
I sing the same song, dance
to the same tune.
Could be they cover mirrors when I die,
but 'til that time my mirror doesn't lie.

37 comments:

Joan (Devon) said...

A lovely poem Pat, which rings true. I wrote a similar one a while ago, but it isn't as eloquent as yours.

jinxxxygirl said...

If writing poems brings you joy you should never stop writing them AND posting them on here because that was lovely. I've done the same with my art and such.. I'am never going to be a famous artist or even be very good but painting brightens my day and brings me ever so much joy and peace . And isn't that what its about. ? Big Hugs! deb

hart said...

Wonderful poem, well-written and true.

busybusybeejay said...

So true.

Anonymous said...

Your poem describes aging beautifully. Amazing how the passage of time seems unaccountable in so many ways. Susan

Heather said...

We can all relate to your poem. It is strange, isn't it, how old one can look yet still feel young on the inside? I am not known for my energy and yet when I am sitting down I feel as if I could tackle anything! Keeping smiling.x

JayCee said...

You may have felt that your writing was *rubbish* but it expressed how you felt at the time and obviously is still relevant now. That is not rubbish.
I hope to be as alert and articulate as you are when/if I reach the same age.

maureenlthompson said...

I concur with all the above comments about the aging process. It is a beautiful and well written poem, thank you for publishing it.

Librarian said...

Dear Pat, this is a very touching poem and even though I am more than 30 years younger than you, I can see what you mean - my body will soon be 52, but in my mind I sometimes do not feel all that different from when I was 12, or 22, or 32...

pat chester said...

Beautiful poem and so relevant. I am nearly 20 years younger than you but still feel young inside. It then frustrates when you can't do things you could do when younger. I enjoy ironing especially my husband's shirts but can only do two at a time and then have to sit down for 10 minutes as my back hurts. But I do try to do things in a different and easier way.

Virginia said...

Wow! There’s nothing ‘ rubbish’ about that Pat, it is beautifully worded and moving. It spoke to me, another reader 20 odd years younger, Do write, and post, poems if you enjoy doing so. I will certainly enjoy reading them. This one will get printed out - it is a Keeper. Thank you for sharing it.

Oklahoma Girl said...

This is a beautiful poem and your writing is a true blessing. Thank you for sharing.

Gwil said...

It’s very melodic - I can imagine someone singing it - in a musical or a film perhaps - thanks for sharing.

Simon Douglas Thompson said...

47 and my hip is starting to give me trouble...

Traveller said...

I concur with all the others comments...def not rubbish. Thanks for sharing.

For you next poetry group how about a piece from Clive James?

the veg artist said...

That's a lovely poem. I prefer to think of how no one would guess from my normal, middle-aged appearance now, what I might have got up to in my youth!! Thank goodness not all the tales of passing time are visible on our faces!!!

John Going Gently said...

I'm proud to have you as a friend
Old or not

susie @ persimmon moon cottage said...

You wrote a wonderful poem. Thank for sharing it with us.I would like to see more poems of yours.

Bonnie said...

That is a lovely poem! You have a very distinct style and talent for writing. I do relate to and understand your poem very well too. It seems our youth was just yesterday but the calendar and our bodies speak otherwise. Thank you for sharing your poem. I enjoyed it.

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

Yes, that is the way we all feel when we are older and you wrote it beautifully.

Granny Sue said...

Your poem is perfect, and certainly nails how we feel about aging. In my mind, I'm as sharp and agile as ever. The body, though...that's a different thing entirely. Thank you for posting this.

Amy said...

I love your poem and I love reading your blog... Happy New year to you!

Joanne Noragon said...

Well that hit the spot. Told the truth. Nice.

Red said...

Awesome poem. You hit the nail on the head with this about aging. Get back writing poetry. Robert Service said he was not a poet. He said he was a versifier.

Susan Zarzycki said...

Well said!💖

Cro Magnon said...

I think we 'oldies' all think like that. Why can't they develop a pill to make our bodies revert to how are brains are still feeling?

thelma said...

Lovely poem, well expressed. Growing old gracefully is your gift to all of us.

John "By Stargoose And Hanglands" said...

Poetry or not, it expresses your thoughts beautifully and concisely. When I look in the mirror in the morning I see no wrinkles at all. Then I put my glasses on.

The Weaver of Grass said...

John - Made me laugh out loud!!

Thanks for your comments one and all.

Leilani Schuck Weatherington said...

Not rubbish at all. Wonderful poem. Thanks also for mentioning The Diary of a Bookseller by Shaun Bythell in a previous post. I was able to get the book through the inter-library loan program here and it was a wonderful read. My best friend here and her husband owned a used-book store and I enjoyed talking to her about the book.

Diane said...

When I was young, My 90 year old grandmother told me she still felt 26 inside. As I age I realize how true it is.

Sue said...

"Inside December still gives way to June" is a beautiful line. Thank you for sharing that one, and I hope you post more of your poems.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Leilani - there is a sequel out now so look out for it.

Thanks all - might post another 'poem' one of these days if I can't think of anything to write about.

Helen said...

I love your poem. I will turn 79 this year, your reflections mirror mine. I began writing poetry in 2005 when I cared for my Mother who had Alzheimer’s and Lewy Body dementia. It saved me. A way to put frustrations, sadness, joy and love on paper. Therapy. Let us see more of your poems!

pam nash said...

I agree - getting older isn't fun and games. It seems my brain thinks I'm younger though and occasionally when I pass by a mirror I see an old woman - who's that is my first thought!

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