Partying With Shakespeare

When I saw this picture of me and a time long left behind I’m not sure why or how…but William Shakespeare came to mind. ‘The time of life is short’ he wrote…and William was in the know because this picture was taken, if I’m not mistaken, over 30 years ago. The three women seated to my right are still as beautiful as can be but when I look at this picture I’m left to ponder…what has happened to me? First of all let me apologize for my clothing…I’m not sure back then where I shopped but what in the world was I doing at a party…in a shirt AND a tank top? My shirt wasn’t even buttoned…I imagine I thought my outfit would beguile… but looking back now I have to wonder…if I ever was in style? I had a lot more hair 30 years ago…since then it has found a way to vacate most of the top of my head…what’s left is a hazy shade of grey. My arms have not lost any hair…near as I can tell but I’ll be darned if over the years they’ haven’t turned grey as well. I mentioned William Shakespeare as this poem was about to begin… Have no fear, forsooth my friends, this is where I bring him in. I notice I have have some wrinkles now,…okay maybe more than some! but it was Shakespeare who said ‘With mirth and laughter…let old wrinkles come.’ I kind of wish Shakespeare was at that party… I might have asked him to lend me an ear… He probably would have asked me about my clothes… and I’d have offered him a beer.