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When I Am Old

Many if not most people are nice and complimentary, and I have heard it said, "You look much younger". Or, "You look great for your age". However, age and weight are very delicate areas and sometimes, our best efforts at being nice don't work.

An article on a website indicates that a survey was taken of 3,ooo adults ranging from 18 to over 65. Based on the Pew Research Center study,* old age begins at 68. When young, I longed to be older but not 'old'. Now, I am not young, but the jury is still out on whether I am old. So, at 68, I'm not certain that I qualify to enter this contest because of the theme, "When I Am Old". I may 'already be old', but will enter this contest if for no other reason except that 'I like the theme'.

At the edge of the rural community where I was born, there was a large creek. We had no pool to keep us cool, so into those muddy waters, we took our leap. When fortunes changed, we swam in the city pool which was some eight miles away. It's funny sometimes how time brings change like night eventually turns into the light of day. But it's not so funny when 'time for change' has come, and we won't flick the switch. Instead, we prefer a world of make-believe, pretense, and suspense, simply longing, "I wish".

I have no problem with modest roadway journeys to the fountain of youth. I do have a problem with botched facials and too many unsuccessful tucks and endless pursuits. I have seen beautiful aged ones taking 'looking young' to the extreme. Some dress youthfully in cut-out jeans, and on their faces, apply too much cream. They don't seem to realize that it's really just fine to be yourself and look your own age. To them, it's not a laughing matter, nor are they just going through a faze. But I don't always know what to make of my fellow elderly associates, but let it now be told, I will just be me. I want to look my best and be the best that I can be when I am old.

08012018PoetrySoupContest, For Your Poetry Journal, Broken Wings. *Website, Live About, Article, "When Does Old Age Begin?" By Sharon O'Brien

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