ON AGING - IN ANSWER TO A " FORWARD "

 

I do not sign petitions,

I do not play games,

I do not forward "forwards".

 

But, in response to a request to -

Please forward this piece on Aging

To at least seven people ...

 

I don't dance,

But I enjoy the music -

Of the 1930's and 1940's.

 

I hate getting old.

I hate the wrinkles.

I hate the aches.

I hate the worries,

The limitations,

The fears,

The memories of my failures.

 

I love the freedom of doing

Whatever I want to do -

Whenever I want to do it -

When I am able to do

What I want to do.

 

I am not forgetful.

And I thank The Creator for that.

In fact my memory is so sharp,

I have no peace.

 

I can't really enjoy old movies,

Because I remember every detail

Before the picture starts ...

Except the characters' names.

 

I do weep over my lost loves -

People and pets -

Especially through the nights.

There is nothing that can stop that.

 

I don't care what people think or say,

Unless they are people I respect -

And there are few of those these days.

 

But I am grateful for the kindness of

Friends.

 

 

Phyllis Carter