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85, and Not Out

I have reached the ripe old age of 85, Why am I on Earth, still alive When most of my friends are dead Or laying Ga Ga in aged care beds. Why was this Old Duck, Given the luck, To survive When others died. I am sure I don't know, When God has plans, For me to go. What use has God for me? I have brought up my family, I have my eyes open wide. My curiosity, I cannot hide, Perhaps that is the reason, I am still alive. I cannot lie I am in no hurry to die. I need to be of use, you see. And I am not the girl I used to be. I feel so tired and slow. I have lost my get-up and go. Nothing works anymore, My body has gone on strike, That's for sure. I have a list of ailments That would kill a horse, I've had a hip replacement And new eye lenses, of course. I am losing height, Because I have curvature of the spine. Lots of other diseases. That will worsen with time. I am not miserable Or sad in any way, It is a question I have been asking God today Have you use for me, Lord, Is that why I'm still here If you have, could you make it clear God, could you please speak up, I am stone deaf in both ears.

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Gershon Wolf

Date: 9/28/2022 8:26:00 PM

Happy Birthday, Shirley. Please know that you are quite 'useful' to me, as I enjoy reading your reflections on a wide range of topics! Write on, please... As I say about myself: 'Can't run // Can't play // I sit and type // all day!' Laughter and Levity, Young Lady! Many happy returns on the day. :) Gershon

Shirley Hawkins
Date: 9/28/2022 8:51:00 PM

Your lovely comments warmed my heart, Thank you, Gershon; they made me smile as if, by magic, feel younger. I loved your rhyme; I can relate to that very well. I trust your New year has started well for you and will continue to bring you laughter, fun and inner peace. I am still smiling (it's contagious). Take care. Shirley

Rico Leffanta

Date: 9/26/2022 11:22:00 AM

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Every day is an adventure filled with surprises, some of which may only be enjoyed mentally! Best of luck to you! Aloha!

Shirley Hawkins
Date: 9/26/2022 5:03:00 PM

G'day, Rico Many thanks for your kind comments. Your philosophy of life is spot on regarding surprises; The biggest surprise of the day is the lovely (if somewhat undeserved) Poem Deb wrote for me, which told other P Soupers my date of birth. That touched me more than words can say (lucky Old Duck) Take care, Shirley

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 9/26/2022 10:06:00 AM

Shirley, love that last line…lol! I see my face in the mirror and view other wrinkled places, slowly winding down. My dad is 85 and I think of him and other relations of his generation seeing many go before them. God’s glory in each one of us. Our use on earth might be used up, but truly we never are. Hugs ~ Kim

Shirley Hawkins
Date: 9/26/2022 6:22:00 PM

Thank you, Kim. Those wrinkles you see, Kim, you have earned, Laughter, worry, and character lines are all part of aging and, as you say, winding down. I appreciated your kind comment's last "lines" and the comforting Hug. We are lucky to be here, aren't we? I hope you are having a lovely peaceful day. Take care, Shirley

L Milton Hankins

Date: 9/26/2022 9:37:00 AM

Happy belated birthday, Shirley! I love your poem and can relate to much of it. I, too, wonder what my purpose for still being here is, since many younger friends have gone on to their reward. I think a good part of it is keeping an active mind. I am, fortunately, not senile (I don't think) and I can still jot a fairly decent rhyme. Have a marvelous day, my friend.

Shirley Hawkins
Date: 9/26/2022 5:30:00 PM

Heartfelt thanks, Milt. I was in a reflective mood on my birthday hence the Poem. I had been to my doctor a few days before, and she told me I had COPD and Peripheral Neuropathy to add to the list of ailments; I have never smoked, so this was a surprise. I understand, Milt, why you relate to my Poem. Also, like you, I am not sure if senility has set in yet. You certainly have a very active mind; I am in awe of the different types of poetry you write so eloquently with apparent ease. I write as a hobby only; I find it very therapeutic. Thank you, Milt, for your ongoing support. Take care of yourself, Shirley

Tom Cunningham

Date: 9/26/2022 6:40:00 AM

Hope you have a wonderful birthday Shirley and many more too. Tom

Shirley Hawkins
Date: 9/26/2022 5:52:00 PM

Thank you, Tom, for taking the time to wish me a Happy Birthday. Deb M made this birthday very special when she wrote a beautiful poem for me for all P Soupers to read. I was overcome with emotion as I read the Poem that was written so thoughtfully and caring. I hope you are having a pleasant day, Tom. Take care. Shirley

Deb M

Date: 9/26/2022 6:36:00 AM

Love this poem Shirley…..you are still here because you should be. I needed to meet you also!! Happy birthday my lovely friend…..Debx

Shirley Hawkins
Date: 9/26/2022 5:55:00 PM

We needed to meet each other. Deb.

Deb M

Date: 9/26/2022 6:33:00 AM

Shirley you have soup mail. Please Read your birthday poem from me . Debx

Shirley Hawkins
Date: 9/26/2022 6:10:00 PM

To say I was overcome with emotion when I read your lovely thoughtful, caring poem would be an understatement. It made my birthday one I'll remember forever. I will email you on Thursday, Deb, when I am home. I, too, would love to have a cuppa and chat together. Take care, Shirley XX