Shoot Me

Mother said:  “always smile”

I smiled 

I am still smiling among others of my kind
In clusters of wrinkled cheeks and memory-laden souls
Beating too too many taut drums in a row. 

“When I’m that way” my father used to say,
“shoot me.  Doesn’t matter who has to clean up.”
My way is a nap turning into eternal rest.

December 5, 2013

we didn’t shoot my father.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

Poem

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Ligon Avatar
December 14, 2013 at 8:51 PM
I love this satire on aging, and I love the format you used. Did your father die on Dec. 5th? If so, I'm sorry about your loss.
Collins Avatar
December 10, 2013 at 7:30 PM
You're right Terry. The dead fit in right with the other dead. Let's be morbid. love, Kathy p.s - Thanks for the comment
O'Leary Avatar
December 10, 2013 at 5:51 AM
Age wearies... yes, but the times seem to be degenerating too... nowadays the mess wouldn't be noticed, so nobody'd have to clean up... Terry (another wonderful poem, Dear Kathy...)
Kilmer Avatar
December 9, 2013 at 8:15 PM
"youth is wasted on young." Taking a nap is always a good thing. If your lucky no will have to clean up. Be happy, but don't smile if you don't feel like it. I hate it when people say smile. I just want to slap them. Yea old curmudgeon. ~Kilmer
Collins Avatar
December 10, 2013 at 7:33 PM
I used to hate those people who walked down the street alone, smiling. Sometimes I've done it now, lordy never tell me to do anything. (my mother could say pretty much anything and get away with it). lvoe, Kathy
Austin Avatar
December 9, 2013 at 1:57 PM
Love it. Yes! When I am that way I don't want any one to see me or speak. In a way it is selfish. I don't want to share ecstasy, want to claim it as my unique understanding. How wonderfully well you express yourself. Love, daver
Collins Avatar
December 10, 2013 at 7:34 PM
Selfish is good (lying)
Dietrich Avatar
December 8, 2013 at 3:44 PM
just read what you said about aches and pains. This is what worried me most about my own future; Joe and I will likely not be able to retire and I don't know how I am going to deal with working till I die.OH MY
Collins Avatar
December 9, 2013 at 8:11 AM
Hang in. S miracle might be just around the corner
Dietrich Avatar
December 8, 2013 at 3:43 PM
I remember this one from PfT and that cool last line!!
Collins Avatar
December 6, 2013 at 8:01 AM
All my aches and pains are longing for rest (permanent, not yet.).
Parker Avatar
December 5, 2013 at 6:16 PM
a poem many can relate to,
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