Birthday Funk

Birthday Funk

Little ones can’t wait to mark the passage of time,
Presents and cake, everyone making a fuss.
Young folks use this time to push out their chests
And say,” look at me”; I’m responsible, I can vote!”
But pass a certain mark and the gifts you get
consist mostly of slippers you can warm in the microwave,
Or Barry Manalow CDs….and maybe some thoughtfully sweet diabetic candy.. 
Because” You look like you’ve been putting on some wt.”   .Ha! 
Last week I heard”Let me help you with that sack of flour”,(5 friggin #’s)
Or “ you know there is a senior citizen discount offered today.”
You become terrorized by your mirror and
Spend a lot of  your time squinting at fine print,
You have to guess at the menu because
Once again you’ve forgotten your reading glasses...
And will NOT, even consider borrowing his…
Even for a slightly better blur.
But, realistically I know there are compensations for getting older,
Lets see, hmmm, I’ve forgotten what they are. They’ll
Come to me. When they do I’m going to write them down.
Seen my pen?.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2008

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Torres Avatar
November 18, 2008 at 2:29 PM
Barbara this is so sad and funny. My heart goes out to the elderly I have a special place in my heart for them. Excellent write. A new poet wrote a poem about me and totally humbled me. His name is Raul Moreno if you would be so kind to comment on his works thnk you dear... dont forget lol Love Michael Torres
Higgins Avatar
November 18, 2008 at 9:28 AM
Very funny write.
Richards Avatar
November 18, 2008 at 6:51 AM
Happy friggin' birthday, Barbara!! (If this is the day??) Man o' man....I hear you sister!! Every single line of this hysterical poem...I felt like it was my birthday too ....I so did identify! Yeah...they all say we should age gracefully....but usually "THEY" are younger people who have no idea yet!! Can't tell you how often I've had to squint...and fake it like I can really read the menu!!! I usually say...."Oh..I'll just have what he's having" to the waiter! Love this one!~LOL Carrie
Degenhardt Avatar
November 18, 2008 at 6:22 AM
You know, there's a lzot of truth in this humorous piece, but it's just a natural progression. Very well composed, I'm going to read this to my wife who has to get a new prefor glasses LOL MIchael
Reynolds Avatar
November 18, 2008 at 3:36 AM
Oh man, I know. I guess in order to be very wise, we must endure losing our beautiful, beautiful bodies. lol Happy birthday? This poem was funny and all too real, love Kristin
Fawcett Avatar
November 17, 2008 at 7:40 PM
Nicely written Barbara. I love the line 'terrorized by your mirror'. Not sure if wishing a happy birthday is quite appropriate LOL. Love, Nigel
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace