Winter of Our Lives

As the winter of our lives vicariously arrives,
We think of the reasons why what we are survives;
We contemplate on things that happened long ago,
And I remember exactly all that I know.

It's what happened yesterday or five minutes before,
That deplete my memory and that's hard to ignore;
For people look at me with a questioning look,
When I ask where it was I last placed that book. 

I'm loaded with groceries when I leave the store,
But my purse is back there behind the door;
And when I get to the car my keys can't be found,
So I bite my lip and don't make a sound.

I write notes that tell me what I have to do,
And end up putting my right foot in the left shoe;
I'm afraid to turn and look in the mirror,
For what I see shakes me with shock and fear.

I'm older but wiser than I used to be,
Which may be consolation if this has to be me;
But in spite of grey hair there's a twinkle in my eyes, 
I'm still a young person; it’s just me in disguise.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

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Bickerstaffe Avatar
June 12, 2012 at 2:52 PM
Of course you're still a young person... you will ALWAYS maintain a childlike view on life. '...putting my right foot in the left shoe,' yep! I've done that! If you grumble about it you're a grouch, if you laugh, you're a kid. :)
Mac Donald Avatar
June 11, 2012 at 11:29 PM
Oh, love the ending, Elizabeth!:) Would make one feel constrained, wreckless and unhappy needing to be serious all the time. The inner child may help us find solutions, or at least smile through an ordeal. Best wishes, love,Mikki
Johnson Avatar
August 4, 2011 at 7:41 PM
These faces in the mirror. Disconcerting as they appear. But sometimes the only friend we've got. Is a calming sense and a wise thought. You did a wonderful job with this one Elizabeth. I can't imagine your pen drying up. Take care.
 Avatar
July 26, 2011 at 9:09 PM
You have me smiling with this one. Nice use of rhyme. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us and for your kind comment. Best wishes with your writing. Karen
B Avatar
July 24, 2011 at 6:51 PM
Just turned thirty-two but I've already got some grey hair. I can say that I can at least identify that way, but this was still a whimsical expression of forgetfulness and growing older :)
Ball Avatar
July 4, 2011 at 12:43 PM
I do love this nd can identify. I will be 64 yrs. young in October and I'm the world's oldest kid. Great stuff my friend. God Bless, JB
Austin Avatar
June 28, 2011 at 8:45 AM
It's like this, Elizabeth - just a minute My cat just upset his water dish - ???????Now, what was I going to say. Sorry, Barbara, I'll catch ya later. Love, daver
Culverhouse Avatar
June 27, 2011 at 9:22 AM
great work!! you blow me away. Bravo!
Benson Avatar
June 26, 2011 at 10:56 PM
"Winter of life" You have narrated brilliantly, your fears, experiences and idea about ageing.
Hendricks Avatar
June 26, 2011 at 1:51 PM
hahaha. Welcome to the Old Mamas Club. Keep that twinkle in your eyes. Hugs, Licia. xxx
Johnson Avatar
June 26, 2011 at 12:38 PM
Sooo clever Elizabeth. And very insightful. A complete, complete joy to read. I don't mean to blabber on, but you impress me. Take care.
Poet Avatar
June 26, 2011 at 8:38 AM
Very nice Elizabeth.I love this poem.Best wishes.
Onclaud Avatar
June 26, 2011 at 12:44 AM
ahh, you've painted a scene of both inward and outward reflection with much beauty, elizabeth... lovely! :) huggs
Dietrich Avatar
June 26, 2011 at 12:00 AM
good to know that you realize the best place to write poetry!
Dietrich Avatar
June 25, 2011 at 11:59 PM
I am feeling this too, my dear. but with me, my short term memory has been bad even since my childhood!! Good one.
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