Middle aged suburban fears

MIDDLE AGED SUBURBAN FEARS

 

having reached a certain age

fears changed with passing years

no longer preying upon my mind

or causing nervous laughs or tears.

 

no longer fearing women,

career, family or crime

young man’s fears banished

by the ravages of time.

 

but now the greatest fear

to be seen on the evening news

middle aged man dead of heart attack

suffered while trimming yews

Author's Note

A bit of doggerel inspired by mowing the lawn in 94 degree heat today.

Reviews

[Rogue]

I admit, I laughed at the horror of it. All that "live fast die young" mantra of youth turned to dust as responsibilities set in.
I can be clumsy at times.. There have been quite a few where I've lost my footing on the stairs and the only thought ever in my head as I tumble down is "Please don't let me break a hip." (So far I just get bruised up a bit), because you know once you are over thirty-five those things are supposed to take forever to heal.

Yep, understand the fears very well. :)

[SteveB]

I am glad I brought a laugh. Over the winter I found myself saying at the end of snow shovelling at least I didn't die. It seems that once the AARP card comes ........

[Rogue]

I still have a bit of years before I open my mailbox to that surprise. I remember laughing when my sister told me the first time she walked in a restaurant and realized she qualified for the Seniors menu. How she was ultimately mortified and yet pleased (meal at a discount) at the same time.
I can just imagine..

[SteveB]

HEY!!!!!! Be nice. Remember AARP comes early.

[Rogue]

-nervous look-
How early?

[SteveB]

The first letter should come the day after your 49th birthday

[Rogue]

Okay.. That gives me enough time to downsize, have at least one grandchild, pack and hermit myself in some cabin on a mountain, where I will never check my PO Box when in town. -grin-

[SyberRose]

I don't watch the news anymore...too depressing..This was really good Steve...but I guess when its
your time to go ....it doesnt matter about your age...nicely done...Rose

[SteveB]

Thank you Rose. You are, as always, far too kind to me.

[Sarah Khalil]

Although completely and utterly different in form, the subject matter here reminds me a lot of a Shakespearean sonnet. A discussion on a particular aspect of the human condition - time goes on, things change, but we always fear. Forever do we fear, and our fears are a very accurate window into where we are in our lives at large. I love poems like this: the language is succinct and straightforward and the flow is natural and easy. And so very, very honest. Having lost my 43-year-old father 6 months ago it resonated quite a bit with me - the fear, there, realized, and only suburban by virtue of a landmower.

[SteveB]

First allow me to express my condolences on your loss. Thank you so much for your lovely and thoughtful review.

[Angi]

This had me chuckling as I cringed. Angi~

[SteveB]

Thanks Angi. I think.

[Angi]

Ha! I read this to my husband earlier. He understands this middle aged fear. I chuckled at the last stanza and then cringed as I pictured that in context with my guy. That was meant as a compliment, Steve. You made me feel that fear and I also saw the humor. Angi~

[SteveB]

Thank you so much. And my quivering mass of insecurities thanks you for the clarification.

[Rita L. Sev]

It is exactly as you say here. So many things that we fretted in our youth, the confidence of middle age is so empowering... until we realize that we now move with more ease through life because we are moving rapidly downhill! Great poem, Steve!

[SteveB]

Thank you Rita.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

yes, as we get older, we start clinging to life.

as youth, we live it with reckless abandon, not caring if there is a tomorrow...now we live it hoping there will be a tomorrow and another tomorrow and yet another...

[SteveB]

Thank you Jacob.