Longevity SK

Longevity; longevity -
to think I used to long for that!
I wouldn’t want my nine lives more
if now I even were a cat.

My strong years are behind me now,
so which will give out next on me?
My messed-up neck; one of my knees;
a hip? Or will it be all three?

Degeneration I now greet
each day although I exercise.
But if I fall face to the floor,
I might require some help to rise.

When I was young, I felt so fit.
I thought a centenarian
I’d be, but even birds of prey
might pass me up as carrion!

Longevity; longevity -
I say it now with levity.
A life well-lived is life enough.
Let’s have a little brevity.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2026

Poem

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Etgen-Baker Avatar
June 11, 2026 at 4:41 PM
I feel you and can relate. Wishing you well.
Johnson Avatar
June 7, 2026 at 4:31 AM
I feel you, my friend. Much love and courage Shine through the shades and shadows.
Dietrich Avatar
June 7, 2026 at 3:54 PM
Thanks so much, Curtis
Reese Avatar
June 6, 2026 at 6:50 AM
Very nicely done I really like the light hearted humor of this subject giving it a whimsical tone and a beautiful flow congrats on your placement in the contest
Dietrich Avatar
June 7, 2026 at 3:54 PM
Thanks. I had fun with this one
Goldsmith Avatar
June 4, 2026 at 1:15 PM
Congratulations on your win. I enjoyed reading your wonderful "Longevity SK" write. Great Ending 2 Lines... Have a blessed day with your wonderful win...............
Jabeen  Avatar
June 4, 2026 at 9:49 AM
Congratulations!! Well done!
Lawless Avatar
June 3, 2026 at 6:50 PM
Well done Andrea...an ode to the angst of living's pranks....
Kerr Avatar
June 3, 2026 at 4:30 PM
Congratulations to you, Andrea, on your well deserved win. In turn thanks for your visit, Howard
Dietrich Avatar
June 3, 2026 at 6:39 PM
Thanks, Howard
Kendrick Avatar
June 3, 2026 at 4:15 PM
I wanted to say thank you for participating in my contest. I am delighted your work ended up on the winners' list. Congratulations..Way to go. We don't know when He will call us home, but I have to have hope and faith and trust that He will take care of me. Sara K.
Dietrich Avatar
June 3, 2026 at 6:39 PM
That's for sure, and thanks, dear
Croft Avatar
June 2, 2026 at 7:29 AM
awe so wise, enjoyed reading!
Empress Avatar
June 2, 2026 at 6:31 AM
Through your wisdom, and friendship, I learned to accept death if it comes my way, not sure about how i would react about losing loved ones still! Your poems are always honest dear sweet andrea! And i love the nine lives line! Hah! Gosh! Can see you are a cat lady and that was a clever line! Brilliant! I fear gettn old now! You look very young for your age and fit! And your voice is gorgeous! Pleasure reading you! Sending you light always
Dietrich Avatar
June 2, 2026 at 11:35 PM
I do hope you fear death less now. Thanks for your flattering words. You are such a sweetie
George Avatar
June 1, 2026 at 8:50 PM
Degeneration is a natural process. We don't have to worry about it. Generally it is seen that people with some minor ailments live longer than those who deem to be very healthy. Nothing is assured. So let us meet life as it unfolds. A very realistic poem.
Dietrich Avatar
June 1, 2026 at 9:02 PM
Thanks. This is the weird thing. I never really get sick. I was even immune to covid being around students who all had it but I wasn't even vaccinated. I basically had my neurological health destroyed by a doctor who prescribed me a fake bone strengthener. It had such weird side effects on me that no doctor can even diagnose me. Let alone help me. It's 24/7 yukky feelings and has been with me 10 years now. Surprisingly, my degenerative problems don't even pain me and they are very bad actually!
Godwin Avatar
June 1, 2026 at 5:26 PM
A therapy write: From gloomy to bummed to humor adding a witty dose of upbeat Even w/ specifics, it's the cycle of aging you've described. Body limitations are hard to accept but think of all who have been limited since birth, it gives me perspective. I know you've had a hard/frustrating time from your body made worse because no one can tell you WHAT's going on, just like no one can say why I've lost my mind no matter how much they're paid. The good news is that older people look better now than when we were the young people. We may hurt but we look good. Let's go with that. We must laugh.
Dietrich Avatar
June 1, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Yeah. Dear friend. We look damn good. For our age at least! Hahaha
Rodrigues Avatar
June 1, 2026 at 8:57 AM
We change our perspective with age. Even my Dad, who’s 88, when I tell him he could always do light exercise, says, wait until you’re my age, you lose the motivation, perhaps you’re sad having lost a spouse, etc.. just enough energy to do a few things. Still, he’s doing great for somebody his age.
Dietrich Avatar
June 1, 2026 at 3:41 PM
I have an exercise class with seniors. One guy I think there is 98! I hope to always do at least my 2 classes a week. But up to my 50s I was so much more motivated. I did like 5 days of exercise and used to teach aerobics. Things change so much with disabilities
DiMino Avatar
June 1, 2026 at 7:29 AM
"but even birds of prey might pass me up as carrion!" :)) Love that! If the only sense you keep in tact till the end is your sense of humor...you have kept the best one. Blessings my friend.
Dietrich Avatar
June 1, 2026 at 8:49 AM
Thanks, Joe
Poet Avatar
June 1, 2026 at 4:34 AM
Andrea, your poem is well-crafted and engaging, with a good balance of humor and reflection, making it a solid piece of poetry. Best wishes for the contest
Dietrich Avatar
June 1, 2026 at 8:53 AM
Thanks, Sotto
Hind Avatar
May 31, 2026 at 11:54 PM
woah, deep...one is not guaranteed anything, I am learning- loved your perspective
Dietrich Avatar
June 1, 2026 at 8:54 AM
Thanks
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