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I Am An Old Man

i am an old man when i look in the mirror i don’t see me a resemblance of my past but know things aren’t always what they seem my skin is wrinkled and thin i bruise easily though not emotionally my arms have spots not freckles my sight and views are becoming blurred and vague choices made in my younger daze left gaps between my teeth and memory i’m guarded about revealing either one the soles of my shoes flare making it easier to take things in stride i have arch supports so as not to be caught flat footed the Cloud has nothing to do with information storage but more the cause of hide and seek with the the sun and the past i talk to myself trying to get a consensus to show i’m not crazy the conversation usually ends in a stalemate and nobody wins when i retired everyday became Saturday i start and finish everything and nothing today yesterday is gone and tomorrow comes to quickly when i look in the mirror i see the lines i drew in the sand and in my life a resemblance of a past maybe things are what they appear to be after all, i am an old man

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C L Sivaranjani

Date: 7/31/2021 5:39:00 AM

Simple but amazing poem. Wonderful pen portrait. Ageing is experiencing, it's moulding, shaping us right, as we have to be... Your acceptance and the expression, simply superb

Anisha Dutta

Date: 7/30/2021 1:46:00 AM

Dear Richard 80% of PS members are old. We are birds of same feather. Have a Good Day

Joseph Spence Sr

Date: 7/28/2021 9:39:00 PM

Congratulations, and excellent poem, Richard. I love the flow of the words and the impact of the message. I am very proud of you and your poetic proliferation. The descriptive excellence is lovely and sends terrific images. The theme of "Old Man" stands out, and the tone moves the piece down the page with much grace. Great job! Have a fantastic day, and God's richest grace and blessings to you always. –Professor, Ambassador, Dr. Joseph S. Spence Sr. (Epulaeryu Master)!

Andreas Akun

Date: 7/28/2021 6:06:00 PM

Being old is being bold... the golden moments recaptured, the more grateful you hold. Beautiful poem for everyone.

Milton Robertson

Date: 7/28/2021 10:59:00 AM

A very good one

Gwendolyn Cloyd

Date: 7/28/2021 10:35:00 AM

I really enjoyed all your poems. This one sums up so many images of being an older or seasoned being. You made me laugh and reminiscent at the same time. I could not have viewed being at this age in a more appealing light. Thanks for the imagery in all your poems and the truth they tell- Gwen-

Joanna Feltham

Date: 7/28/2021 9:41:00 AM

I think your poem is brilliant. I particularly enjoyed the lines 'hide and seek with the the sun and the past' Thank you for sharing.

Ilene Bauer

Date: 7/28/2021 8:53:00 AM

You have expressed so well the reality that many of us are experiencing, Richard. Wonderfully written!

Ronald D Thompson

Date: 7/28/2021 8:27:00 AM

Very relatable. Thoroughly enjoyable read.

John Gondolf

Date: 7/28/2021 8:21:00 AM

I can relate to every word, Richard, this is one of the better pieces on aging that I have read. Nicely penned. John

Peter Rees

Date: 7/28/2021 8:19:00 AM

Oh my goodness, this almost hurts, it’s so truthful. You’ve said so much, so well. I know, because I too am an old man. Well done.

Jan Allison

Date: 7/2/2021 5:16:00 PM

Richard one of the most moving touching pieces of poetry i have read in a long time and as Ruby says just think of the positives of the wealth of experience you have to pass on to others, adding this gem to my faves - my hubby took early retirement because of his cancer and our lives are busier now then when we worked, your line about every day is saturday and not getting jobs finished is true but because we have other thigs to do:-) hugs jan xx

Ruby Kelly

Date: 6/1/2021 11:11:00 AM

Oh, Richard. Growing older is not as bad as it may seem! Think of all the stories you can tell others and all the advice that you will be able to give. You may not be as agile as you once were, but the experience you gain as you age could never be replaced or traded with anything in the world. Love your writing, Richard, and I hope you feel better soon. - Ruby.

Gary Radice

Date: 5/31/2021 4:53:00 AM

Richard, I know I am growing older because I have started to walk with my hands behind my back. :) You may be getting older but you, sir, have the gift of being able to write great poetry. I particularly love the line "every day became Saturday." I took early retirement and look at things this way: I only retired between 9 - 5 five days a week. Great read! Cheers - Gary

L Milton Hankins

Date: 5/30/2021 5:57:00 PM

I can relate, Richard...almost! I think every day when I look into a mirror that "maybe things [really] are what they appear to be." It's gutwrenching!