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Open Poetry #49
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JerryPat2
Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975
South Louisiana

0 posted 2014-11-17 08:07 AM


I remember looking at them
the old men of my family
saw their tired eyes
forever frowns
except when they'd cackle
like a woman
at some ribald joke he would tell
same tired old joke
year after year after year
watched them try to cover up
parts of their body they were ashamed of
usually their face
for it told the world everything
how the dye(die) was cast
yeah . . . he would say
yer only as old as you feel
and buddy I feel like a randy teenager

everybody would laugh
and laugh and . . .
to keep from crying
for the uncles sitting there with him
knew they would be like him
very soon indeed
now here I sit
thinking about the old ones
I have known
think about them
everytime I pass by a mirror

©November 14, 2014 / Jerry Pat Bolton


If they give you ruled paper write sideways.

[This message has been edited by JerryPat2 (11-17-2014 11:54 AM).]

© Copyright 2014 Jerry Pat Bolton - All Rights Reserved
Lori Grosser Rhoden
Member Patricius
since 2009-10-10
Posts 10202
Fair to middlin' of nowhere
1 posted 2014-11-17 11:41 AM


My mirror puts me in mind of my Great Aunt on my Mother's side. She wasn't fat, she was comfortably soft.  
JerryPat2
Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975
South Louisiana
2 posted 2014-11-17 11:50 AM


Hah! That's one way to lie to yourself . . . Thanks Lori.

If they give you ruled paper write sideways.

gilead
Senior Member
since 2008-03-10
Posts 1067
nevada, USA
3 posted 2014-11-17 01:18 PM


It's good to come back to the forum and see familiar names and faces, Jerry. Your poem has a lot of meaning for me in my 73rd year.

Art  

JerryPat2
Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975
South Louisiana
4 posted 2014-11-17 01:36 PM


Hah! At my 75th year I hear you talking, Art. hank you for being here in my world.

If they give you ruled paper write sideways.

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