and she does

there’s a railing to lean on

she holds on with both hands

the taste of power has left her mouth

she barely remembers the way

it danced on her tongue

who could have dreamed

things would end this way?

her bones are weightless

thinning with osteoporosis

her once shiny tresses

now dull and gray

her thoughts are heavy

she remembers when

he sealed the day with a kiss

making everything better than good

now the wind slaps her face

and the rain hides her tears

but there’s still that railing to lean on

and she does

with all her might

Reviews

[Lorry]

Beautifully captured, as always Lydi. But would knowing what is to come slow your any of us down within the journey?
Only the most sensible would refrain in childhood from running to the playground as you heard te Bell and run straight into the brick shed, built to keep us dry when it rained, which is a bit like saying every other day in Scotland and their only retort would have been to look where you are going?
I think if there was a choice I would choose the way it. Is, but perhaps to concentrate the pain down to just one second, because let's face it, dying will never be your first choice of favourite day, even without the pain.
And yes, if there is something to lean on, I lean and if there is somewhere to sit, I'll usually find a reason to, so why not take a seat and who knows, you might just find yourself sitting next to a moaning Scotsman wondering about where all the handrails went! 😊

[Lydia Shutter]

Lorry, your wit is outstanding....always. Thank you so much for your review. Lydi**

[Noronradss55]

Yes, unfortunately we all must face
the reality of growing old. But its not
so bad, If done gracefully.
Thanks, enjoyed your work.

[Lydia Shutter]

I appreciate your review, Noron. Lydia

[Dave Brown]

such a sorry scenario
i am always amazed when seeing some person has reached the age of 100
I hope to hell I don't

[Lydia Shutter]

There are those in their 90's who are still active, alert, and healthy. That is a great way to grow old. Not so much if you are frail and have mobility issues. Thanks for the visit, Dave. Happy New Year.

[Arundass TP]

Good emotional poem. Excellent writing 👍

[Lydia Shutter]

Thanks, Arundass. Lydia

[emmajoygreen]

Oh Lydi, dear, dear friend - you are the true verbal artist here. Your words lay flat yet they paint my thoughts with scenes I know from the past, from the 'sights' I hear on the Helpline, from the scenes and slow, slow actions often - too often, seen in public. We all know we will age, but until we get there is hard to really what and how it truly means. Have hard that tis not always the physical pain that makes a human being ache but the knowledge that one can ache from the lack of ability to be self.. self fights self.. That said, older people are walking history, have a sense of humour that general beings have noth yet achieved..

Thank you for beckoning me here, Lydi, this has taught me yet another lesson, right now. Bless you, dear friend. Belated happy and peaceful Thanksgiving (Lydi)

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you so much, Emma. Yes, there is much to be learned from our seniors. Their memories are precious. Lydi**

[Chris Shaw]

I’ve watched this up close with my aunt and mother over recent years and their subsequent demise and can’t help thinking that my time will come too. For sure, as long as there is a railing there, I will cling to it with every last bit of strength. Old age sucks. Conveyed so well Lydi** and your posted artwork powerful in its portrayal of fraility. Hope you are well.

Chris

[Lydia Shutter]

Hi Chris. Yes, we witness it with loved ones and then someday, if we are fortunate enough to live that long, it will be us. Thank you so much for the review. Waving across the pond. Lydi**

[Desert Knave]

Both of my parents are going through some of this (one is in the hospital as I type) ... you've done well portraying the weakness and frustration of the body fading. ~Jim

[Lydia Shutter]

I hope your parents will both be home soon. It is not easy seeing them age. In the end, I was the mother and my mother was the child. Thanks for visiting! Lydi**

[Coyote Poetry]

Honest thoughts shared in the poetry dear Lydia. You allowed the reader to feel and understand the struggle. In the end. We need someone to walk with. Thank you dear friend for sharing the outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[Lydia Shutter]

And those who do have another to hold onto are so fortunate! Thank you, John. Lydi**

[John the Baptist]

I used to work in a chronic disease hospital, so the figure described in this work is no stranger to me. It's a sobering thought to realize this is what it might be like near the end. All we can do is take the best care of ourselves possible and hope for the best.

[Lydia Shutter]

Indeed, John. thank you for your review. Lydi**

[jacob erin-cilberto]

this poem shows such power beyond the physical part of us which needs to hold hard to that handrail.
Her words are still so strong...she slaps the wind back and proudly blends her tears with the rain.
j.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thanks so much, Jacob. Lydi**