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

[Aluppi Jampur]

"When I am old
my mother’s features
will be my only makeup."

50 is too young.
This poem is a beautiful appreciation for life and takes nothing for granted.
The above lines really touched me. I wear my mother's face too.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you! It means a lot to me that one line was so identifiable with you.

[.]

" I am one step closer to the other side" hauntingly beautiful.Yours author' s note states that they died not very old...I pray you live longer to write more ,more poems spending time gardening and the likes!

Very nice and touching poem

[Kelly Scheppers]

I've got a lot of living to do - to celebrate their lives! Thank you so much!

[.]

Absolutely....

[W. Barrett Munn]

Really a nice construction and use of repetition. I found the tone quite honest and easy to accept as real.

Just a real nice effort - congrats.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you most kindly!

[M. J. Smith]

Aye... Growing old...
Beautiful thoughts. A peace made with life's most inevitable fact. We cannot fight it. You words are beautiful.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you most kindly.

[Vertigo Cat1111]

This is amazing poetry- a vision of what life will be like when you’re older and how it’s such a privilege, especially when others close to you have passed so young. It’s so hard to pick a favorite line out of all of these. ‘The years like memories will fade like the light of a falling star’
is on that particularly stood out to me. Thank you so much for sharing.

[Kelly Scheppers]

It's been an absolute thrill for me to see how well it has been received. Thank you so much for adding your voice!

[KAREN]

I love this poem! And it's a privilege to grow old because so many don't get to. Each line flows breathlessly!

[Kelly Scheppers]

Deeply appreciate the compliment. Thank you, Karen!

[KAREN]

My pleasure!

[KATHY SUE SILLS]

What a beautiful piece of poetry! When we grow old my mom's features will be my makeup! Love that line!

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you, Kathy! It's my favorite, too!

[KATHY SUE SILLS]

My pleasure!

[Mr. C]

Such a wonderful piece. Parts were so vivid I could see myself there. “The memories will fade like the light of a falling star” was beautiful. It still is resonating with me. Such a great way for me to start my day. I think I will be carrying an extra bit of appreciation today. Thank you.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Good to meet you, Mr. C! Thank you most kindly!

[Sami Khalil]

You have a great plan. We all dread getting old and frail, but many opportunities await. We can enjoy every moment before it slips away.
I like your powerful focus and honesty and the plan you have to age gracefully. Kudos!

[Kelly Scheppers]

Well, that's my plan, of course it's subject to change by the one and only himself! Thank you, Sami. Good to have your presence here!

[Sami Khalil]

Wow! All wonderful. You are welcome.

[DIVYA]

This was so beautiful to read, dear Kelly. I am one of those that fear growing old. The frailty, the ugliness and the lack of surety of an afterlife. I cling to things of youth and have a hard time letting myself go. Yet, my mum who is nearing 80 always reminds me that growing old is a privilege not all are afforded. She is so brave and has such fortitude! Your words have taken me closer to her way of thinking. This poem will stay with me, uplift me in weaker moments.

[Kelly Scheppers]

How wonderful for me to know that! Thank you, sweetie!