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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.

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Juliet Ligon

Date: 12/14/2013 8:51:00 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.

Kathryn Collins

Date: 12/10/2013 7:30:00 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

Terry O'Leary

Date: 12/10/2013 5:51:00 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...)

Stephen Kilmer

Date: 12/9/2013 8:15:00 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

Kathryn Collins
Date: 12/10/2013 7:33:00 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

Daver Austin

Date: 12/9/2013 1:57:00 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

Kathryn Collins
Date: 12/10/2013 7:34:00 PM

Selfish is good (lying)

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 12/8/2013 3:44:00 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

Kathryn Collins
Date: 12/9/2013 8:11:00 AM

Hang in. S miracle might be just around the corner

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 12/8/2013 3:43:00 PM

I remember this one from PfT and that cool last line!!

Kathryn Collins

Date: 12/6/2013 8:01:00 AM

All my aches and pains are longing for rest (permanent, not yet.).