Notes About The Poem
R Words Poetry Contest
Sponsored by: Constance La France
Written on August 3, 2023
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Retirement
"Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.” –Mark Twain
Gray strands, falling over crinkly skin
Where once was reflected beauty and approval,
Now there is merely old age, a has been
Someone who knows about radiance removal
A measured pace has replaced the brisk gait
Where there was once delight in the amusement park
Now there is more pleasure in the checkmate
And, frankly - the peaceful sleep that comes at dark
Laughter and smiles embraced most of my distant past
Where joy and beauty were the blessings felt
By a heart who knows that true love will surely last
But, too – discerns the meaning of grace and faith, so heartfelt
Wrinkles may have replaced the glow on my coat
Where there was perfection, now there is only defects
Despite the splotches that reveal my age, don’t gloat
Because you’ll realize it’s nearly time friends pay their respects
Old age is not for the faint of heart – no sir
Where there are strong, wise, resilient and fervent
Some of us reach the time when illness will occur,
But that doesn’t mean we give up on being God’s servant
Loneliness often comes to those who are senior people
And even though we have the children, the younger generation
We might need medicine to get us through, a sleep pill
Or possibly some other drugs, even those that mean sedation
Never underestimate the elderly who’ve lived through times
Some harder than others – some that you’d not wish on your rival
Although we’re not young anymore, we once were in our primes,
Where we lived like we knew all we needed to for our survival
It has taken me all these years to reach this destination - OLD
I’ve survived the doubts, fears, the darkness of some dreadful years
Through everything I’ve faced on earth, a sight to behold…
In the mirror, gazing at me… a woman who was not who she appears
She was so old, it seems – she bled not blood, but grief and tears!
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