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LindsayP
Member Elite

since 2007-07-28

Posts 3410
Australia, Victoria

0 posted 2008-01-19 09:34 PM

Old Age is a Gift

I am now, probably for the first time in my life
The person I have always wanted to be,
Not my body of course for that looks much worse
With all the wrinkles that are quite plain to see.

And so many times I am quite taken aback
At the old person I see in the mirror’s reflection,
It just looks like my poor old Father to me
But I don’t look to close for a thorough inspection.

I would never trade one of my wonderful friends,
My loving family, my home or my happy life style,
As I’ve aged I have become much kinder to myself
And less critical when kept waiting a while.

I don’t chide myself for not making my bed
Or for aging and a great lack of speed,
I’m entitled to be extravagant messy and trite
And of no one do I have to take heed.

Some chase the rainbow striving for wealth,
I have seen too many friends leave this world too soon,
Before they can reap the reward of old age,
So who cares if I sleep in my bed until noon.

I know that some time I’m forgetful and vague,
A sad trait that old age so often brings
But there again some things are better forgotten
And eventually I remember the most important things.

Sure, over the years my heart has been broken
But how can it not be if you lose a loved one,
But broken hearts give us strength and compassion
To realize that it’s something that can’t be undone.

I’m lucky to have lived long enough for my hair to turn gray,
To have my laughs forever etched in the grooves of my face,
For so many have never laughed and died long before
Their hair could turn silver, oh what a terrible waste.

As we grow older it is much easier to be positive
And not worry about how much other people might drink,
I don’t question my self any more or be argumentive
For I’ve earned the right to be wrong don’t you think.

I don’t waste my time to think what might have been,
I think of the friendships that most people extend ,
All those people with a genuine smile on their face,
To me, they are the ones that I’ll always call friend.

Earth Angel
Member Empyrean

since 2002-08-27

Posts 40215
Realms of Light

1 posted 2008-01-19 09:53 PM

You're baaaack! ~ and with a beauty! You've been missed, Aussie Man ~ and friend!

Now this is what I call aging gracefully!

I'm tucking this one away for future reference and as a gentle reminder that growing old can definitely have its advantages.

Much love to you, venerable Wise One,

Linda

Roniece Dawson-Bruce
Member Ascendant

since 2000-01-29

Posts 5689
Sydney, Australia

2 posted 2008-01-19 10:00 PM

I don’t waste my time to think what might have been,
I think of the friendships that most people extend ,
All those people with a genuine smile on their face,
To me, they are the ones that I’ll always call friend

yes, I'm with Linda, have missed your inspiring posts! this is wonderful... love RDB

Be kind at heart....for everyone you meet has their own battle to fight.........

Mysteria

Member Laureate

since 2001-03-07

Posts 18328
British Columbia, Canada

3 posted 2008-01-19 10:03 PM

Truer words have not been spoken - I treasure my gift as well, and enjoyed your poetry about yours.

Magnus

Member Laureate

since 2001-10-10

Posts 14135
South Carolina, USA

4 posted 2008-01-19 10:13 PM

I relate too well to this, and it is a beaut. You have done exceptionally well.

Clang
Member

since 2005-12-15

Posts 222

5 posted 2008-01-20 01:27 AM

Wonderful!

JamesMichael
Member Empyrean

since 1999-11-16

Posts 33336
Kapolei, Hawaii, USA

6 posted 2008-01-20 05:49 AM

You have the right attitude...and I appreciate that...James

nakdthoughts
Member Laureate

since 2000-10-29

Posts 19200
Between the Lines

7 posted 2008-01-20 10:15 AM

Other than the "drink" (a personal thing)I think it's a wonderful poem~~ and one to be admired.

M

Rick
Member Elite

since 2001-06-21

Posts 2903
Victoria, Australia

8 posted 2008-01-20 12:50 PM

Lindsay my old mate, this one was just great, made me appreciate getting older, you have spoken straight from the heart here and the truth took us all by the hand, wise words that should be remembered. Thanks for sharing, see you soon.

Rick

Marchmadness
Member Rara Avis

since 2007-09-16

Posts 9271
So. El Monte, California

9 posted 2008-01-20 03:10 PM

You have to be older and wiser before you can write a poem like this. Obviously, life has taught you a few things, LP. Understood and enjoyed.
Ida

LindsayP
Member Elite

since 2007-07-28

Posts 3410
Australia, Victoria

10 posted 2008-01-20 08:04 PM

To every one of you wonderful friends, I could never thank you enough for the kindness of your appreciation of my humble poem. It's having a critique like this that makes writing poetry such an enjoyable hobby. Happy New Year to you all and may the sun shine upon you always.

Love you folks, Lindsay

Margherita
Member Seraphic

since 2003-02-08

Posts 22236
Eternity

11 posted 2008-01-21 02:47 AM

And so many times I am quite taken aback
At the old person I see in the mirror’s reflection,
It just looks like my poor old Father to me
But I don’t look too close for a thorough inspection.

Dear Lindsay, I love your poem and your serene, positive attitude. When there is good health in old age, then the blessings are complete.

Beautiful and uplifting!

It's nice to have you back!

Love and joy.
Margherita

simon
Member

since 2008-01-14

Posts 440
London, England

12 posted 2008-01-21 08:00 AM

It's posts like yours that are making this site such a pleasurable place in which to spend time... thanx

Honeybunch
Member Rara Avis

since 2001-12-29

Posts 7115
South Africa

13 posted 2008-01-21 02:13 PM

Thank you for this, Lindsay, because I've been thinking lately that "old age" isn't such a wonderful thing more especially because there's so much I wanted to do but never did do.

Let's give it a numb and gift others with your viewpoint if they haven't read it already.

Helen

Sunshine

Administrator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-06-25

Posts 63354
Listening to every heart

14 posted 2008-01-21 03:14 PM

I liked these two lines especially:

"As I’ve aged I have become much kinder to myself
And less critical when kept waiting a while."

When one is young, it is always foremost in their mind that to be kept waiting is "wasting time". They've not yet grasped onto that precious concept of mediation. They don't know enough "just yet" to reflect on a life's memories.

Now that I've gotten to where I am, it would be nice if time were to slow down just a little bit. Alas, it won't...

so I just have to treasure each moment that much more.

I enjoyed this so much, Sir! Thank you!

Artic Wind
Member Rara Avis

since 2007-09-16

Posts 8080
Realm of Supernatural

15 posted 2008-01-21 03:50 PM

A very wonderful post to show your back!!!
I am Back myself too, I was working hard on school!!!

ARCTIC WIND

LindsayP
Member Elite

since 2007-07-28

Posts 3410
Australia, Victoria

16 posted 2008-01-21 06:37 PM

To Margerita, Simon, Helen, Sunshine and

Arctic Wind, how would we get on without folks like you wonderful people, who have

given me such a very warm response, I appreciate it immensely. Have a great day

folks and God bless, Hugs to you all.

Lindsay

Earl Brinkman
Senior Member

since 2010-03-03

Posts 1183
Osaka, Japan

17 posted 2010-08-24 08:45 PM

Your final stanza is a beauty.

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