Poem of the Week: The Facts of Aging

by Mimi Gould
Atlanta, Georgia Branch

So much to do before I pass
and here I sit upon my ass,
my energy is gone there’s none to spare
I lay on the bed, still in my underwear.

 

I wasn’t warned about getting old
I tried to do what I was told
but none advised me about fatigue,
and laziness and the lack of speed.

 

I munch on ice cream and candy bars
and wonder how my waist got large.
I truly want an exercise routine
but end up with People magazine.

 

It’s disgusting to me, this aging event,
I can’t even remember how my days are spent.
The golden years are simply phony
with time to spare, it’s pure baloney!

 

I’ll wake up tomorrow and hear myself say,
hooray, I’m vertical for another day.
And suddenly the day goes by,
hours seem like seconds, the time just flies.

 

The months and years are gone like a breeze.
I need more days, dear GOD, if you please.
A new year is here, I must take control
of mind and body and this lazy soul.

 

I’ll rid the cupboards of cookies and sweets
and try my darndest to get off my seat.
The stationery bike awaits my butt,
and perhaps a dance class to strut my stuff.

 

I’ve letters to write and a canvas to paint on
and a memoir to write before I’m gone.
I used to run just like a bunny,
batteries charged, yes, that was me.

 

Now I’m down to a turtle pace,
the only speed are wrinkles on my face.
Dear GOD, please hear my prayer,
bless me with vigor and enough to share.

 

8 comments

  1. Nina Brooks says:

    Well versed thots. At my age, over 70, I’ll share that U will/can expect renewal. Look 4 it, keep busy, w lots
    Vit b12. Happy 2018.

  2. Sara Etgen-Baker says:

    You’ve captured the inherent byproducts of aging–the hours feeling like just seconds and owning a body that seems to show signs of aging with each passing seconds. I appreciate the humor with which you’ve handed us a dose of aging reality. (I, too, face many of the same challenges as I approach my 66th birthday). Thanks!

    • Kiki Swanson says:

      How true! This new book stands at 52,000 words, and I may never get going on it! I think I like being 86, but Dear God, couldn’t you fire me up a bit? This week I have a BP problem, down to 80/52 one day. What excuse will I have next week? Keep your humor going!! We all need it in Scottsdale, the last branch in AZ!

      I hope you didn’t get a touch of snow as predicted. Keep warm! Fondly, Kiki

Comments are closed.