Saturday, March 25, 2017

FEELING OLD TODAY

Since I have been ill for the past week (what good was that flu shot?) I am feeling old, older than usual. So this poem I wrote is especially in tune with these feelings. Anyone else?

I hate growing older.

I do not enjoy upper arms sagging,
swaying when I wave goodbyes.
I hate viewing the once perky bust-line
now gazing despondently at the ground.
Why did I have to become old, my once willowy
body relaxing far more than necessary.

I try to ignore it, to picture myself in my mind
the way I want to be, wish to be, dream to be,
but knowing the reality deep inside.
If I ignore mirrors, reflective windows,
I can carry on the image within my head,
avoid the truth that sometimes slaps me in the face.

That glimpse can be a shock, send tremors
skulking down my spine, chill my soul,
paralyze my psyche, and bring tears to my eyes.
I remark that I am a twenty-three-year-old
trapped in this sixty-five-year-old body,
craving to caress life in a spirited way.


Rose Lefebvre©

7 comments:

  1. Most of the time I fully embrace who I am right now. My body may not be perfect, but most everything still works.My hair is white, but at least I still have hair.Far from perfection but good enough for me.

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  2. Rose, I can relate. A few days ago while cleaning out my "art cabinet" I came across old photos which showed a far different me. Even found several pin-ups (age 19) that my sister, Anna, and I took while visiting in San Francisco. Arrrgggghhh! Alice

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  3. Hi Rose,
    I sure can identify with your poem. Someone even commented on my saggy arms and I was upset. I think when we aren't feeling well with these colds and coughs and flu that you feel older. I hope you are feeling better soon.

    I once taught a boy in Aldergrove, B.C. with the same last name as you. His first name was Maurice and I am wondering if you are related. It's not a common name and he was a brilliant boy.

    Take Care, Karen

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  4. I know what you mean, Rose, but weirdly, I'm more comfortable in my skin and with who I am more than I used to be. But I have those days too.

    xo,
    rue

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  5. I'm sure that many of us can identify with this! Hope you feel better soon.

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  6. I'm sorry you haven't been feeling well, Rose. Getting older is not for sissies. That is what my Mom used to say. In this society that values looks over substance, I will take substance any day. We have earned our wrinkles and our sags and bags. I find a face lined with character much more beautiful than any other. We need to embrace our 'old age'. It is a privilege denied to many. Love your poem :) Sending hugs xo Karen

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  7. Rose, you said it girl! I just said to my hubby the other day, "why do boobies have to get saggy?" What was the good Lord thinking? lol! I know that our bodies grow old so that we can accept death, but it's not all fun and games. :) Hope you are feeling better!!
    hugs,
    Jann

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