That time of year thou mayst in me behold
When yellow leaves, or none, or few do hang
Upon those boughs which shake against the cold,
Bare ruined choirs where late the sweet birds sang.
I don't think anyone has ever put it better than Shakespeare in these first four lines of sonnet number 73.
I love the sonnets and have always loved them. These four lines have resonated more and more as the years have rolled by. For, let's face it,. we don't really contemplate old age when we are dashing about through teenage frolics, then marriage and babies, then middle age when (if we are lucky) 'our'sweet birds' have flown the nest - suddenly( again, if we are lucky)we have a bit more money and can do things we have always wanted to do -travel in my case.
But now at ninety I don't think I am quite to the stage of no birds singing. In fact today's Times 2 has Martha Stewart the cover star - in a swimsuit - and she is 81. Don't panic I am not about to put on a photo of myself in such a garment. In fact I don't expect to ever wear one again, although I daresay a daily swim might do my muscles a world of good.
But the caption on the photo says'Is 80 the new sixty?' Well I go along with that and shall update it a bit and say 'Is 90 the new 70?'
Give or take a bit of osteoarthritis and a couple of non existent knee ligaments (which do make it essential to hold on tightly to Priscilla on any jaunts) there are still a few birds singing. Probably old crows rather than perky wrens but thanks to Priscilla still able to fly.
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24 comments:
Love this! I wonder what tomorrow's poem will be ...
Val, North London
I'm 71 and have had my day in the Sun...
love the post...and I'll just say Martha looks fabulous at 81!
hugs
Donna
Clean water and sanitation and antibiotics give us a better chance of living longer and the rest is down to genetics.
During retirement, we've got some more time on our hands, which if used to explore the reactions of our body to various problems, might help us come upon efficient solutions, and prolong life.
For me, the lyrics to the song "September" (sung by, among many others, the late Harry Belafonte) capture that mood very well, too. They bring tears to my eyes every time, and I know my Mum feels the same.
My own retirement is at least 12 years away, depending on what changes German government comes up with regarding to the age threshold. What I dread most is losing the ability to walk, but reading about your days and how many things still enrich your life, Pat, makes me less fearful.
This is a lovely post, Pat, and well written! You've explored wonderful images to examine our journey through life. Well done!
Keep flying Pat and continue to enjoy everything that life brings. MS looks terrific. MS is also an avid gardener. The landscapes at her private homes are spectacular and very productive. She also has an interest in farming.
Fly on happily! We are only nearly 70 (me) and 84 (him) so you are setting us a good example!!
Wise words and you've chosen to live wisely, Pat! Thanks for sharing with us the life lessons you've learned.
Hugs!
Yes, she does look well turned out, but how many hours did it take? I know that's uncharitable, but how I look has never been of much concern to me.
I have just read about this Pat. Mae Musk is also doing the same show of being a glamourous grandmother. Surely as we get older we can rest on our laurels and not have to 'be something'? I think what most old people want, the vast majority who reside in care or nursing homes is respect and compassion.
You have hit the nail right on the head Pat. I like the idea that 90 is the new 70.
Shakespeare also wrote:
To me, fair friend, you never can be old
For as you were when first your eye I eye'd
Such seems your beauty still.
Bonnie in Minneapolis
Bonnie - thank you for that.
Thelma - I agree but I dread having to go into care and spend all day with people my age and have only their conversation. I feel most strongly that we owe it to our children to keep as young at heart as we can. I have played music with a group in Care Homes until fairly recently and it is not for me as long as I can keep in my own home, chatting to folk going past and having friends in for coffee. I am lucky to be able to do so so far.
As usual dear friends - thank you for your responses.
Keep going pat x you will
I love this outlook you have on life.....older life. It reminds me to enjoy every little bit I am able to do which is lots more than many at my age of 71.
Love this post, wise and lovely words
The last time I tried on a bathing suit in my old age, it frightened me. Shocked I was.
Another resident and I were speaking of the number of people who have died since we moved in. But only to be expected in such a residence.
Nice intro to your post with a quote from Shakespeare.
At 76 I'm beginning to feel my age, with dodgy legs and aching back; but I'm not going to let it spoil my enjoyment of life. I simply do different things.
A lot of people dread having to go into care.
I saw 'Golden Years' at a German film festival yesterday. It was much the same theme as the Marigold Hotel film. Seniors who make relationship choices and choose their own lifestyle rather than have it inflicted upon them.
I enjoyed it immensely, as in the end, a share-house turned out to be the choice, after a lot of wise, and not so wise individual or joint adventures, including overseas, by the seniors.
Reactions from grown-up children of these people were hilarious. Fabulous film.
In your analogy, their thoughts would be, a bare tree is beautiful too, after all, who can be bothered with the shedding of leaves every single season. - Pam.
There are two Golden Years films evidently. It's not the British one but the German/Swiss one- Pam...different story.
Thanks to you all. Sally Pumpkin - there should be a law amongst oldies to never look in the mirror unless fully clothed - sadly however 'glamorous ' we (thought) were when young - we are no longer an appealing sight. I guess the same applies to the 81 year old model yesterday - it is easy to cover up the ghastly bits with the right clothes however skimpy.
Thank you for introducing me to that sonnet.
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