When I Am Old

...the privilege of growing old.

When I Am Old

 

 

 

When I am old

I’ll wear my hair atop my head

in a Katharine Hepburn fashion.

I’ll rise in the break of morning

with three cats at my feet

watering  succulents in the kitchen window

while waiting for my coffee to brew.

I’ll sit at the table like we used to do,

engage in a crossword puzzle or two,

when I am old.

 

When I am old

my mother’s features

will be my only makeup.

I ‘ll garden in the afternoon

then rest till dinner at three.

I’ll write poetry while sipping a Chardonnay

indulge in a hand of solitaire or two

when I am old.

 

When I am old

and coloring my hair no longer suits me,

I’ll walk across the meadow, green

where geese and lark take  flight at dusk

and the sky is a palate of magnificent hues.

 

The years like memories will fade

like the light of a falling star.

A calendar of days will hauntingly remind me

that every day

I am one step closer to the other side

 

where you will be waiting,

when I am old.

 

 

Author's Note

The longevity of life was not afforded to my parents and older sister, who each died under the age of fifty. Therefore, it will become a privilege to me, growing old.

Reviews

[Einstein Noodle]

oh .. i have goose bumps going up and down my face and neck darlin' ..and i am sorry for such relatively too soon deaths of your Ma and sister .. :( .. the graceful flow of imaging gives me such a sense of peace .. your speaker has come to terms with some of the most important elements of living .. that of growing old and stepping over into Eternity .. this one is going into the ol' library .. i think of me Ma mostly as i read ... just beautiful Legs ... simply a very beautiful write says i!
E.

[Kelly Scheppers]

"...growing old and stepping into eternity." I'd say you captured my meaning quite well, Gene. Thank you!

[Unspoken poet]

I really enjoyed this, i like how you said you're like Hepburn,
This is a wonderful write, one to think about as we age daily.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you so much!

[Neville]

The statement beneath your title is absolutely spot on .. .. and the main body of your poem is very much what I hope for myself, albeit from a series of fellas perspectives/behaviours, but nevertheless, a very civilised & otherwise dignified eventual exit .. This is one of those poems that I am not ashamed to say, I would have been very proud to have penned myself my friend ............ Take care & stay safe Kelly .. N :)

[Kelly Scheppers]

Nev, your every word touches me so. Thank you for the warmth, kindness and sincerity they bring me today!

[Neville]

You are far more than merely more than just welcome Kelly, much more ..... N

[Ken Simm.]

After all Katherine Hepburn did say 'Life is hard. After all it kills you. Great piece.

[Kelly Scheppers]

How wonderful it is having your presence here! Thank you, Ken. Great quote, so true!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

they were all so young, Kelly...
I like a poem about growing old with dignity and gratitude.
I am heading in that direction...and naturally.
I like the Hepburn part...I think the best actress of all time...she had such a class about her, no matter her age...and always such a classic look.
I'd be glad to try to lend a hand on the crossword.
j.

[Kelly Scheppers]

My older sister did the crossword puzzles. I'm now beginning to really enjoy them myself. Thank you, Jacob!

[andrew mitchell]

Nice work Kelly. That's most unfortunate about your family

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you, Andrew!

[Coyote Poetry]

I liked the places you want to be. In old age we learn. We need the simple things and thank you dear Kelly for sharing the amazing poetry and your thoughts. I don't have cats, I do have five grandchildren. Thank you dear friend for sharing the amazing poetry and your thoughts.
Coyote

[Kelly Scheppers]

Five grandchildren! Wow, that's a life fulfilled with many blessings. Thank you, my friend!

[Coyote Poetry]

I loved the poetry dear Kelly and you are welcome.

[Gee]

" my mother's features will be my only makeup "...wonderful line
It is a privilege to grow old and enjoy the autumn/ winter of our lives at a sedate pace doing things that we wish to. Unfortunately, as with your own family, many do not get afforded this privilege.
Hi Kelly, Hope you are keeping well. Enjoyed reading this piece.

[Kelly Scheppers]

I so loved that you acknowledged that particular line. Thank you most kindly, Gordon!

[Gee]

My pleasure Kelly, my pleasure :))