When I Am Old

...the privilege of growing old.

When I Am Old

 

 

 

When I am old

I’ll wear my hair atop my head

in a Katharine Hepburn fashion.

I’ll rise in the break of morning

with three cats at my feet

watering  succulents in the kitchen window

while waiting for my coffee to brew.

I’ll sit at the table like we used to do,

engage in a crossword puzzle or two,

when I am old.

 

When I am old

my mother’s features

will be my only makeup.

I ‘ll garden in the afternoon

then rest till dinner at three.

I’ll write poetry while sipping a Chardonnay

indulge in a hand of solitaire or two

when I am old.

 

When I am old

and coloring my hair no longer suits me,

I’ll walk across the meadow, green

where geese and lark take  flight at dusk

and the sky is a palate of magnificent hues.

 

The years like memories will fade

like the light of a falling star.

A calendar of days will hauntingly remind me

that every day

I am one step closer to the other side

 

where you will be waiting,

when I am old.

 

 

Author's Note

The longevity of life was not afforded to my parents and older sister, who each died under the age of fifty. Therefore, it will become a privilege to me, growing old.

Reviews

[willweb]

Most fear growing old, I embrace it because I really have no other choice. Like your poem states...I enjoy each new day because it is the most beautiful day I have found so far. i will revel in the beauty that follows me and hope that in the end, something more beautiful awaits. This felt wonderful and magical to read. Really nice Kelly

[Kelly Scheppers]

I feel privileged and blessed to have already surpassed the lives of both my parents and sister. That was the inspiration behind this piece. Thank you, Will. I think it's pretty magical, too!

[willweb]

Then let's hope that many, many, many years from now you will be able to read this poem again as part of another beautiful day you are enjoying. (With a glass of chardonnay, of course) : )

[Kelly Scheppers]

...most definitely!

[Ciara]

This is beautiful and so meaningful. 💛

[Kelly Scheppers]

It's quite dear to me. Thank you, Ciara! I really appreciate it!

[Ciara]

My pleasure 💛

[Aura]

Growing old, what will change, what will we keep doing the same? Will we even have the pleasure of growing old? We never know what life has in store for us, but it never hurts to think about those times in the future. I am truly sorry for your losses, your parents and sister. While they may not have grown old as you described in your previous, I'm sure they lived their life to the fullest each day. Thanks for sharing.

[Kelly Scheppers]

You are most kind. Thank you!

[Stuart Munro]

Hi Kelly , really enjoyed your superb poem ,on old age , and well written
As I’m knocking on a Bit , lol, it hit home , sad to read about your parents and older sister
Have a great week , lovely to meet you

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you, Stuart! Wonderful to meet you, as well. I do hope to see you again!

[Stuart Munro]

Thanks Kelly

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

Beautiful poem that I relate to in a few ways now at 63
Sorry for your loss of parents at young age
Yes they wait for you but hurry not they want you to enjoy life a long one
Growing old is nothing as bad as I imagined
It’s comforting in a way I don’t need to look good or try too hard with hair makeup clothes etc

[Kelly Scheppers]

You know, I think growing older is hardest for those who live alone. I fully intend to have multiple pets, dogs and cats around me. How truly lonely it must be without someone to love! Thank you so much, Julie!

[Richard Knox]

Such a vivid image of growing old gracefully, and on your own terms. But even more importantly, you are anticipating the positive aspects of growing old much more than the negative. The structure of the poem, with the repetition of the title throughout, enhances its contemplative nature, but also, I think, hints at the tendency to repeat ourselves that often comes with old age. Very nicely written!

[Kelly Scheppers]

I'm looking forward to growing old, gracefully, no matter if I do start repeating myself. I've always been one to focus on the positives and let the negatives go. Thank you for reading this one, Richard.

[Melinda McQueen]

This shows strength and confidence.
I like how each stanza flows.
Nicely penned.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you so much, Melinda!

[keith]

all the values of aging are a dead end.
you have penned a masterpiece.
thank you

[Kelly Scheppers]

Wow, thank you so much. You have made my day!

[William Michael Reeves]

Loved that line wearing your mothers features. Excellent! I like the rise and fall of this poem. Soft and pensitive then poignant and final at the end.

[Kelly Scheppers]

I kept wondering how I was going to end it, then the ending just sort of presented itself. It felt natural, so I went with it. Thank you for the kind words!

[alanwgraham]

A very classy poem Kelly. Some lovely images - images fade like light from a falling star. I suppose I'm getting old but I'm trying hard to hold on to some vestiges of my youth. The only person I'm fooling is myself.
All the best,
Alan

[Kelly Scheppers]

I once read that age is a matter of mind. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter. Hold onto those vestiges of youth. We're all in there with you! Good to see you, my friend! ; )