A humorous poem about ageing
Lynn Fowler can’t remember a time she didn’t write. As a Christian minister, much of her writing has been Christian non-fiction and poetry. She’s recently ventured into fiction and released her first general market novel.
Growing old (dis)gracefully
Youth says age
should be discreet
soft and gentle
and ever so sweet
should dress in a manner
that befits our days
featuring mostly
dark blues and greys
should potter in garden
or else in the house
and when out in public
be quiet as a mouse
and never, never
make a fuss
“today” is all about
them, not us.
Well, I've news for you, Darling,
and none of it's good:
and don't answer back
'cause I'm not in the mood.
I intend to keep being
sassy and loud
I don't need to be
approved by the crowd.
I intend to keep speaking
my mind when I care
I intend to keep fighting
for what's right and fair.
I intend to keep dancing
to music that's cool:
I couldn't care less
who thinks me a fool.
I plan to keep talking
to strangers on trains
and jumping in puddles
whenever it rains
and to keep running
through grass that is long
and flying a kite
and singing a song;
swinging on branches
playing in sand
and spending some days
without anything planned.
I plan to keep traveling
and seeing new places
experiencing life
with all kinds of races.
I want to ride rapids
and fly a balloon -
give me half a chance
and I'll fly to the moon.
I want to keep learning,
expanding my mind,
I've experienced much
but there's much more to find.
I might learn to juggle
or speak Cantonese,
but whatever I do
will be just what I please.
I'm going to keep wearing
purple and green
I don't care if those colors
should never be seen
with bright red and yellow
and orange and blue -
I might throw a splash
of magenta in, too.
I'll make no apology
for what I say:
my “use by date”
is still far, far away.
So don't let me hear you
“Oh Grandma!”-ing me:
I've waited a lifetime
to become this free.
Lynn’s short general writing can be found here and her books here.
*Picture is a stock image and not of Lynn Fowler.
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