The Stir of Dry Bones
These lines were written for a contest about aging on another poetry site. They do not reflect my attitude about the process, nor should you allow them to affect you.
My sorrowful thoughts were wandering in yesterday,
the stubborn ones that always ignore my plea to leave.
There was a time when scampering was normal for me,
but reaching maturity to a ripe old age offers no dignity.
It rages against infirmities and cruelly chooses to scold
and defies nature's honored words, 'the rebirth of spring.'
I prefer to believe... "a body untouched at any age decays
if no hands know its splendor; that life and time are wasted."*
The elderly do not regenerate like new leaves on a tree
or as tulips sprout their new buds through March snow.
No, but sing no canticle of lyrics in a requiem for me.
Although I feel the sting of a wild tempestuous wind
that brushes my body but does dare not touch my soul.
Like time, it slaps my face, knowing it's in total control,
as the crashing waves that batter the sandy beach coast
and ancient granite cliffs that have not committed a sin.
There is nary a damn thing humans can do to recapture
the dancing days of youth by challenging the hourglass.
It makes us frail and brittle, unwilling slaves to our years.
Little by little, with each burdensome step all of us take,
there's a pensive physical and emotional stir of dry bones.
The kind of pain no one could condone, but time and life
progress despite our tears, and distressing mortal fears.
A spoonful of something won't help the truth taste better.
* Quote in part by Roman Payne
For an attitude adjustment you might like to read:
“Aging gracefully means being flexible, being open, allowing change, enjoying life’s journey, and continuing to love.” – Unknown
“But if we are truly happy inside, then age brings with it a maturity, a depth, and a power that only magnifies our radiance.” - David Deida,
“The older I get the less I care what other people think of me. Therefore, the older I get the more I enjoy life.” - Oscar Auliq-Ice
“I've enjoyed every age I've been, and each has had its own individual merit. Every laugh line, every scar, is a badge I wear to show I've been present, the inner rings of my personal tree trunk that I display proudly for all to see. Nowadays, I don't want a "perfect" face and body; I want to wear the life I've lived.” - Pat Benatar
Copyright ©
Lin Lane
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