Roy Pett | + Follow Poet |
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I Do Not Want To Grow Old

Not sure that I want to grow very old

worrying about heating feeling cold

living on my own surly that’s no fun,

just memories of life, what I’ve done

do I need to suffer with aches and pain

concerns of dementia or going insane,

thoughts of not getting out, stuck indoors 

unable to do everyday jobs and chores,

needing help to get in and out the shower

sitting watching the clock hour after hour,

arthritis in my knees, elbows, and hips

loss of appetite just living on oven chips,

daily pills supposedly keeping me alive 

longing, awaiting the grim reaper to arrive,

becoming frail, needing help to keep clean

thoughts of family members but never seen,

don’t think I want to grow very old, decrepit 

want to stay young, healthy, strong, intrepid,

so what choices do I have, perhaps just one

such thoughts are saddening and so wrong.



Fiction.

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Curtis Moorman Date: 5/21/2018 4:03:00 AM Roy, what incredible insight to infirmity and just plain old age. My motto is that I don't plan to grow old, I just plan to live a long time. My present age of 75 has not as yet kept me from doing the things I enjoy doing --- mainly yard work. I can still run circles around many 55 to 60 year olds. God has Blessed me with excellent health, and I am grateful. My former mother-in-law had dementia and needed constant care. I pray the Lord will take me before I have to face that kind of life. Login to Reply Roy Pett Date: 5/21/2018 8:15:00 AM Curtis I really like the way you’re thinking age is just a number and life is for living, I’m only 62 I’m reasonably fit and enjoy life, live and love the countryside, thanks again for your support. :))

Funom Makama Date: 4/28/2018 7:58:00 AM This is lovely and incredible. Your pen overflow with creativity and wisdom. Wishing to read more of your works... Login to Reply Roy Pett Date: 5/1/2018 4:14:00 AM Thanks Funom, I really appreciate your very kind comment. :))

Tom Cunningham Date: 4/13/2018 1:59:00 AM It sucks big time Roy, we've all seen it with elderly relatives'. Live life to the full whilst your able. Tom. Login to Reply Roy Pett Date: 4/13/2018 4:06:00 AM Thanks Tom, I realise there’s only one alternative to getting old and life is precious, thanks again for your support much appreciated. :)

Maureen McGreavy Pigeon Tart Date: 4/12/2018 9:56:00 PM Love this :) Login to Reply Roy Pett Date: 4/13/2018 3:59:00 AM Thanks Maureen for your very kind comment and understanding really appreciated. :))

Daniel Turner Date: 4/12/2018 9:28:00 PM Roy, growing old is being lucky, considering the alternative,but being lonely and old sucks! Love the write! Login to Reply Roy Pett Date: 4/13/2018 3:56:00 AM Thanks Daniel, after seeing my mother being hospitalised again and seeing how courageous she is, I question myself do I have the strength she shows and will I cope? Thanks again for your support much appreciated. :)

Susan Ashley Date: 4/12/2018 6:54:00 PM A very introspective and thought provoking poem, Roy. Deep and poignant emotions so poetically expressed. A great write! Warmest wishes my friend.. Login to Reply Roy Pett Date: 4/13/2018 3:32:00 AM Thank you so much for your very kind comment Susan, getting old takes so much courage and perhaps like everyone I ask myself do I have that strength? I’m lucky at least I can write about and share my thoughts, thanks again for your support much appreciated. :))

Sunlite Wanter Date: 4/12/2018 6:27:00 PM I already did, Roy, what choice did I have? Have you heard anything new about time travel? LOL Login to Reply Roy Pett Date: 4/13/2018 3:25:00 AM Thanks Sunlite, I think there’s only one alternative to getting old, a path not to be considered, though I might think differently if I could travel in time and see my future lol, thanks again for your support. :)

Jan Allison Date: 4/12/2018 6:23:00 PM fiction for you Roy but this hits so hard with me especially as so much of it reminds me of my elderly mum seeing her deteriorate in her health and not being able to do what she used to - she says to me 'the things I used to do for you as a child ... now you do for me, so no i don't want to get old but we have to face the fact this is all going to be reality for us one day -( hugs jan xx Login to Reply Roy Pett Date: 4/13/2018 3:07:00 AM Thanks Jan, I totally understand and can sympathise, over the past few years I have observed my mother deteriorate too, she was hospitalised two weeks ago for the third time within this period, She is so courageous and rarely complains, I’m not sure that I have her courage, thanks again for your support and understanding.