Line Gauthier Poet Quatrain

Notes About The Poem

Growing old is not for the faint of heart

It's not at all easy to come to term
with this 'new' old version of me.
I'm dealing with a sadly sagging anatomy
where what-used-to-be is now not-quite-so-firm.

I'm dumbstruck by the person in the mirror.
I have to have 'the' chat again and again
to scatter the chatter from my brain
and help me focus to see things clearer.

At least I'm thankful for what still works
and try to make the best of what I've got,
like that new dress that I just bought.
Still I turn rare compliments into rambling smirks.

So for my bouts of vanity I hope some day I'll be forgiven.
I won't complain about my little aches and pains
and rather hope to do some good with whatever life remains.
There's so much we can do to make the most of time we're given.


AP: 2nd place 2025, Honorable Mention 2026

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sara Etgen-Baker July 14, 2025 at 4:48 PM getting 'old' is a challenge....watching my body sag feels peculiar at times. But I agree, putting ego & vanity aside allows one to gain perspective and to make the best of the time I have .... thanks for these words Line Gauthier July 14, 2025 at 5:12 PM Thanks for your much appreciated visit and comment, Sara ~

Vanya Evangeline July 14, 2025 at 8:18 AM Haven't reached that stage yet, but definitely not looking forward to it. Although worrying about it makes you seem vain... guess being grateful with what we still have is really the best bet yet. Thanks for writing this, Line ~ Line Gauthier July 14, 2025 at 1:09 PM There are many advantages to growing old ~ becoming wiser is definitely one of them

Gershon Wolf July 12, 2025 at 8:41 PM This one has me crying real tears, Line. I can only imagine the blow the mirror deals a woman as she ages, for I too look into the glass in disbelief. But somehow, as a man it's not so awful... We can only do or best. It's ordained on high. ~ gw Line Gauthier July 12, 2025 at 9:01 PM Oh well, we have our turn then need to pass on the torch ~