On My Eightieth Birthday

Age is just a number that is irrelevant in theis modern world!

On My Eightieth Birthday

Do not smile and pat me on the head

because I’m eighty

Do not treat me as though I were a child

because I’m eighty

Do not assume that I am not as bright as you

or that my opinion doesn’t count

because I’m eighty

Do not talk about me as though I weren’t there

because I’m eighty

Do not roll your eyes to heaven when I complain

And please…please don’t call me Dearie

just because I’m eighty

 

I have lived through the Great Depression,  

Trolley Cars, WW2, Four Popes,  

The Death of Franklin Roosevelt,

The Kennedy assassination,

 The births of Television

Frozen foods, Microwaves,

Space shipsand the Man on the Moon,  

While holding down numerous jobs

And raising a family

Without Cell Phones, I pods, Nannies,

Personal Trainers and Botox!

 

So please…my dear

Do not patronize me

because I’m eighty

Indeed…celebrate with me)

Just BECAUSE I’m eighty!

 

Copryright2008 Beatrice Boyle

 

Author's Note

Critique Invited

Reviews

[JohnL]

As a youngster of 75, I undestand exactly what you are saying, and saying so elequently. And Oh! I notice there was no rider saying "Don't judge me on spelling and grammar", no get out clause, no spelling mistake and that you are well versed in the accoutrements of modernity even if you don't use most of them. Do you think, Beatrice, that we 'oldies' could really be quite intelligent?
John

[Taylor H]

this was great amazing and awesome

[Poeticpiers]

No criticism from me young lady.Age is totally irrelevant you are not old until YOU feel old
I am a mere boy of seventy five but I intend to grow old disgracefully in a bout twenty years time