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When Did I Grow Old
| Open Poetry #18 |
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When Did I Grow Old |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States 
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When Did I Grow Old By Larry Chadwick Funny, no matter what I see in the mirror, I still have never thought of myself as old. Always thought that I would see it coming. So how could it happen and when did I grow old? Upon further reflection, I have discovered there were some clues, About what was happening to me, if only I had paid attention. Like when my son asked if I liked the tune playing in the grocery store, And I did, until he told me it was one of the latest groups I hated to mention. I had another clue that I had failed to recognize, When in the mall, mothers looked better than their daughters. Or the coworkers who act so completely shocked, Being old enough to be their parent evokes so much laughter. Of course I should have known that I was growing old when, Kids that were driving looked like they needed a babysitter. Never mind that driving more than six hours on a vacation, Felt like I had spent a rough all-nighter. I should have seen it coming when I saw the gray hairs, Especially when there were too many to pluck any more. But when nine o’clock started sounding late, And eight hours sleep was a lot, what are clues for? Going to rent a movie seemed like more trouble than it was worth, You would think that then I would have figured it out. But when roller coasters started causing me some fear, And theme parks were for kids, there should have been no doubt. But last night was really what clinched it for me, I finally figured out that I was growing old. It was too much trouble to stay up for the new year, And at midnight I awoke hearing the kids shouting in the cold! J |
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| © Copyright 2002 Larry Chadwick - All Rights Reserved | |||
Mistletoe Angel 
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
 (giggles) Soooooooo cute, sweet friend, now what were those little rascals up to outside? (smiles) Sooooooo wonderfully written, sweet friend, your words are always a delight to read! We all love you so much, sweet friend! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Larry, thank you for sharing! May love and light always shine upon you! Love, Noah Eaton |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
Ah Larry ... too many of these signs you have captured here ... I have viewed myself! Much enjoyed this journey of age through your eyes, very well done! Best wishes for a happy New Year to you! /Kit |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Larry..this is great, and so true...I know just what you mean. You wrote it with some youthfull sparkle in your eye though. |
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Joyce Johnson
since 2001-03-10
Posts 9912Washington State |
Funny and yet sad. I who deny right along with you that I'm getting old, enjoyed this. I did manage to stay up until 12 but at the same time, I couldn't figure out why. Joyce |
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Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
LOL...Laughing at Joyce's reply! I felt the same way...why was I sitting there watching the throngs in Times Square. Gee...I really feel old today! Good write Larry. *Happy New Year to You and Your Nancy Lee* *~ Wishing everyone a New Year filled with Peace & Love ~* |
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2dalimit Member Elite
since 2000-02-08
Posts 2228Mississippi coast |
I got a hearty chuckle with this one. I figured it several years ago. Thanks, Melton |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Noah, Hey, they were cheering in the New Year! Thanks. Kit, Some of those signs are twenty years old for me! LOL Oh well...Happy New Year. Martie, Delighted you recognized that sparkle! Where would we be without the sparkle? Happy New Year. Joyce, Why? To prove our youth, that's why! Happy New Year. Nancy Lee, Congratulations on the late night vigil! And Happy New Year. Melton, Some of these signs are decades old for me as well. Happy New Year. |
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Bill Charles Member Patricius
since 2000-07-11
Posts 10619highways, & byways, for now |
Larry - yes, you have captured those signs well. But, everytime I read one of your writings, and see your photo, it seems to me that you are getting younger... Or could it be that perhaps my eyes are getting older? H'mmmmmmmm... BC |
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walker Member Elite
since 2001-02-11
Posts 2240Florida |
hehehe, yes I like it, we are all heading that way  |
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passing shadows Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577displaced |
you're not the only one asking that same question! |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Bill, I could never put my finger on why I liked you so much...now I know. LOL Thanks. walker, Aren't we though. Thanks. passing shadows As a baby boomer I'm far from alone! Thanks. |
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amusemi Senior Member
since 2001-12-08
Posts 1262A State of Disarray |
No! There was a Janet Jackson song on one of my daughter's CD's and I told her that I used to listen to her music in the 80's. She responded that that wasn't possible, I'm too old! Your picture doesn't make you look old...you look young to me!! |
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Jamie Member Elite
since 2000-06-26
Posts 3168Blue Heaven |
another clue is all that reflecting...  last night i was young.. this morning my head told me otherwise..... and i had to come to work..lol enjoyed this--thanks |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
amusemi, I used that grocery store music stunt on my mother with a Beatles song in the '60's! Then my son did it to me in the early '80's! And thanks for the compliment. LOL Jamie, I didn't know...LOL Thanks and Happy New Year! |
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Madame Chipmunk Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296Michigan |
From one oldster to another, Larry....I thought this was exceptionally good! You captured the feeling very well. My moment came when I saw the movie "Dr. Zhavigo" again. I had first seen it back in 1966 when it first came out.....and I remember Rod Steiger as the old man. The problem is.....now he doesn't look old to me(in that movie). He actually looks about the same age as I am or even younger....Now thats an epiphany!  Great write! copyright2001 Lyra Nesius |
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Startime Member Ascendant
since 2000-10-03
Posts 5918Canada |
Larry......for some reason I just can't see you as old. **big hugs** keep getting younger, sweet man.  Love I leave with you whether it is in your life now or yet the essense of your dreams. |
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Magnus
since 2001-10-10
Posts 14135South Carolina, USA |
Larry.... I want to know one thing first...IS this your poem...because I KNOW I have seen all those clues... Mannnnnn....I could have written this, but since you have for me.. guess that I won't.... You have no idea how much this hits home in this man's pasture.... And I have to agree with BC...you are looking sort of young...and that is where I have a little bit of heartburn... I hate when 30+ year olds call me sir... and I look at them...knowing I could be their Dad by age...Sux.... BTW...I did make it past midnight last nite. But it was a struggle...Still have not figured out why... Enjoyed this...really...even if it is true.. |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Lyra, Got a long story about Dr. Zhivago...LOL Maybe as an email. Happy New Year! Karen, Bless you...'cause I can't see me as old either! Thanks. Magnus, Not sure, but I think rambling is another sign! LOL Man can I relate...Happy New Year. |
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Tracey Member Elite
since 2001-08-29
Posts 2808where insanity meets breeding |
Yep, that’ll do it. When bed sounds more exciting than ringing in the new year, you just “know” you’re getting old!!! Lol...for the record, I am not old, and was out celebrating til after 3am!!! (mind you, I spent the entire day in bed...so maybe this 38 year old body is catching up with me after all...I no longer recover as quickly as I used too!! Lol)  If she who dies with the most toys wins, then can I have some toy boys please? |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Tracey, Your turn is coming! Actually, at 52 I see midnight three or four times a week. It just wasn't my night and I'm old enough not to care. Ha! Man, I have a daughter-in-law your age...geesh! LOL Happy New Year. |
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ecrivan Member Elite
since 2001-12-10
Posts 3923my own state |
I noticed I was getting older when student colleagues looked younger and younger each year! Nicely put. |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
ecrivan, Funny the subtle discoveries we make! LOL On the other hand...we have two choices. 1. get older or 2. not |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
I noticed it when I saw this lady in the shopping mall window and I turned around to see if my mom was behind me. LOL. |
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Suetang Member Ascendant
since 2001-03-07
Posts 5187Melbourne, Australia |
Hello Larry I just loved this one and I must confess that I nearly didn't see the New Year in as I was tired......maybe I'm showing my age too?? Take care my friend.......Sue Suetang |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Kacy, ROTFLMAO You crack me up! If this is growing old...I'm really likin' it. Sue, But at least you have an excuse...you were workin'. Happy New Year Sue! |
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BluesSerenade Member Patricius
since 2001-10-23
Posts 10549By the Seaside |
My friend said to my 18 year old daughter he wished he was her age and puking in the morning. I mean come on, I like knowing what I know as I get older! and....... I think your gray hair looks good on you, and I like your spirit Larry. |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
LOL, might as well sit back and enjoy it, you won't get younger, that's an undeniable truth. Besides, now the blush of youth has become the flush of raging aging hormones. LOL.  Have a great night! |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
BluesSerenade, I'm with you. Youth is great and Age is better. Happy New Year. By the way, welcome to Passions. Kacy, Is it showing that plainly? |
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RosePetal
since 2001-08-26
Posts 2985South Florida |
Larry darling, remember this...your as young as you feel! I enjoyed this poem. Happy New Year to you my latenight owl buddy! You havent dropped me an email in like forever!!! whats up with that? hehehe |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
RosePetal, Hey Babe! If age is in your mind, then I'll never be old...I don't have a mind. LOL An email is comin'... By the way, thanks and Happy New Year. |
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Victoria
since 2000-08-12
Posts 5869 |
I laughed all the way thru this one...sometimes the kids look like they are about 12 yrs old driving ha....it would have been nice if my husband stayed awake long enough to toast the new year but i had to wake him up and tell him he slept thru it haa...  ~Victoria~ "To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides." |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Victoria, Too funny! Happy New Year. And when did they lower the age for a drivers license? LOL |
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Greeneyes
since 2000-09-09
Posts 9903In Your Poetic Mind |
52?? I hope I have as much spunk as you do....and I cant stay up late either, I have two young kids that tire me out.....now I know thats no excuse, but I love to use it, so I can get more sleep.....*L* any way...I loved this.... Lauren~ |
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GenXer Senior Member
since 2001-12-15
Posts 583USA |
Larry - Hey, I am not there yet, but I am getting there. If it would make you feel better, go out and buy a fast sports car and enjoy a little midlife crisis.lol I know that is what I am going to do.lol I enjoyed this. Dave |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Lauren, I see midnite 3 to 5 nights a week. So I guess New Years Eve wasn't in my cycle. LOL And you have every right to be tired with two kids. So take advantage of that excuse while you have it. I love kids. Dave, Hey...weisenheimer! I drive a little GT 5.0 litre Mustang convertible. Bought it after my 5.0 litre Monte Carlo SS w/T-tops got stolen. It's a little late for a midlife crisis. LOL I live by the philosophy that it is never too late to have a good childhood. LOL Happy New Year By the way, I go through lots of tires. |
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Bill Charles Member Patricius
since 2000-07-11
Posts 10619highways, & byways, for now |
Larry - with all of these replies you must be getting younger by the hour. hehehe. The best to you, and I loved it, again... BC |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Bill, Maybe we have found the fountain of youth. LOL |
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Bill Charles Member Patricius
since 2000-07-11
Posts 10619highways, & byways, for now |
Larry - I think we did, I think we did!!!! BC |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Bill, That's great! But so much for getting wealthy off fromt he discovery of the fountain of youth. Guess we'll have to settle for becoming old geezers. LOL |
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N orth Carolina Girl Senior Member
since 2001-12-04
Posts 962NC,USA |
Larry,I can defintely relate to this.My husband and i can be watching TV and we find it hard to believe the Brady kids are in their thirties and fourties.But then we realize we`re already in our fifties.Love this!   Juanita |
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Mon Cherie
since 2001-10-31
Posts 922Land of Never-ending Summers |
I can partially comprehend this growing old thingy. Well, I can't say I've lived these 21 years without changing abit. Though I realised at times that I think of the future more with fear and uncertainty than with anticipation. But I guess, this is all part of growing up. And the best part of growing older is that you've learnt lotsa stuff along the way. Knowledge and wisdom that you gained through personal experience or by watching other people go through life. And this knowledge is something we can teach our children. So, they won't (hopefully) be going the wrong way we did when we were younger. _,,,^.^,,,_ |
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LngJhnAg Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion |
Larry - This poem is great - and it deserves a response - to be posted in a short while. |
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Marsha
since 2000-07-10
Posts 7423Maidstone Kent England |
Larry darling boy, you'll never be old will you. Age is a matter of mind over matter,..... and in the mind age doesn't matter. Well done darling boy, this is absolutely fabulous As always Mushy   To give light to them that sit in darkness..... to guide our feet into the way of peace St John ch2 v1 |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
ROFL... I love this, Larry!!! I may have been in denial before... but after a move where I carried each box of my belongings down one set of stairs and up another and spending New Year's Eve counting my bruises instead of making resolutions... there's no avoiding the fact I'm OLD!!! (But fortunately not as old as I feel... else I'd be chatting with Methuselah right now *G*) Excellent work, greatly enjoyed! *S* |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Florence, You're proof you don't have to be old to grow up. Happy New Year. Nice to meet you. Hope your future is more secure than you feel. LJA, And a response it was! What a pal you are... Sweet Marsha, Thank you and you help me feel young. suthern, That would wear anybody out. What a way to spend your holiday. What a relief to know you aren't as old as you feel. LOL |
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