Beatrice Boyle Poet Narrative

On Being Eighty

On Being Eighty

Do not smile and pat me on the head
Because I’m eighty
Do not treat me as though I were a child
Because I’m eighty
Do not assume that I am 
Not as bright as you
Or that my opinion doesn’t count
Because I’m eighty
Do not talk about me 
As though I weren’t there
Because I’m eighty
Do not roll your eyes to heaven 
When I complain and please...Please 
Don’t call me dearie
Just because I’m eighty

I have lived through the Depression, 
The birth of television
The invention of the microwave, 
Modern air travel,
Space ships, Man on the moon, 
WW2, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War and Iraq
While holding down numerous jobs
And raising a family.
All this without
Cell Phones, Ipods, Nannies,
Personal Trainers and Botox!

So please…my dear
Do not patronize me 
Because I’m eighty
Indeed…celebrate with me
Just BECAUSE I’m eighty!

Copyright© 2008 Beatrice Boyle
(All rights reserved)

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August 2, 2011 at 9:53 PM Dear Beatrice enjoyed your poem very much, very nicely done. Love Alexa

James Gooch July 22, 2011 at 2:40 AM Hi Beatrice... James here ... Looking for the childhood viginettes... not thinking about what that is.... sorry... But I enjoyed reading this... My best friend is only 79... I am 72 in August... And I like your spunk..... Way to go dearie??... ha, ha, ... isn't that somethin... I like your comments about the old days and ration stamps..... I was in the Marines twice...the last time was the begining of Viet Nam.... Enjoy a Fun Day...James

Carol Sunshine Brown July 14, 2011 at 7:11 AM A very interesting and enjoyable read Beatrice. Hope you have a wonderful day filled with inspiration. Love, Carol

Juanita Warden July 14, 2011 at 1:16 AM I celebrate with you...Love the verse...soup mail

Linda-Marie Sweetheart July 13, 2011 at 6:46 PM celebrating with u Beatrice..how very cool to create poetry and be so proud of being eighty.. my aunt lived to 92 and was as sharp as a tack.. talking politics, religion, children, animals, neighbors.. she exhausted us all and we luved it luv.. kudos to those seniors who are the foundation ..luv.. Beatrice Boyle July 14, 2011 at 12:58 AM Actually, I'm 83 now Linda-Marie. This was written for my 80th birthday...(I write one every year...stay tuned! lol) Love, Bea