The process of ageing is simply just becoming older. The term ageing refers particularly to human beings, many animals, and apparently fungi. I should say at this point of my article that I take no responsibility for possible downside repurcussions of anyone reading this, and I will repeat that as a “reporting” poet, “as ever” my tongue may be in my cheek, and I am just saying it all this whilst safely esconced behind “Poetic Licence”.
In humans, ageing represents the accumulation of changes in a human being over time, encompassing, physical mobility, general health, thinking, and social changes. Reaction time, for example, may slow with age, while knowledge of world events and wisdom may expand, but this is more likely down to life experiences and awareness.
Well that is what definations say, but more down to earth is the fact that most of the jokes, stories and humour about getting older we all laughed at when we were younger sadly turn out to be quite true.Not so funny then, and the only consolation is that everyone will get old no matter how hard we try. Many rich people, great leaders and in history, for example the Pharoahs with their pyramids, tried to stay young or have eternal youth or life, but nope, it doen’t happen!
All very grim then, BUT it is our attitude and manner that we deal with getting older which will mark our happines and contentment with life. As I often say, you work it out and apply it in your own way, for I’m only a “fact presenting” (lol very young at heart) poet. To that end I have included more of my poems in this article on ageing rather than text, but ignore at your peril?
Not That Kind of Time
With stealth and cruelty the years go by
Casting spells on both body and mind,
So that we wither and our frailties form
Thus we realise, time’s not that kind.
Our resisting brain cells and lively wit
Dispute any damage is being done,
So you still believe you are fit and well
When in truth you can barely run!
But is it wrong to live a white lie?
You’re still young and everything works,
For the real truth will slowly seep in
So that doubts and uncertainty lurks.
Going back over time, you now see it all.
The things you did, or should have tried,
For however much you want to catch up
You can’t do this when you’ve died!
The march of the years won’t be stopped
Whatever actions you try to pursue.
For once you did things to kill time,
But that time is now killing you!
With stealth and cruelty the years go by
Casting spells on both body and mind,
So that we wither and our frailties form
Thus we realise, time’s not that kind.
They say time and tides wait for no man
Though we can do things as they release,
But do not squander or spoil the years
Or you will lose your inner peace.
So maybe best to make a covenant now
As your body loses all strength and vigour,
For the secret of youth and endless life
Is a solution we are yet to figure!
*
Yes, well that poem is from my 3rd book, all listed below, and perhaps take note ot just “killing time, when it is now killing you?” Not you obviously, but is it? Don’t worry for I have included a “smile” poem at the end, but NO cheating!
My own perspective now in following poem, and published in my fourth book =
Alone in the Mirror
I am alone in the mirror
With this face I’ve come to know,
That’s been staring back at me
From so many years ago.
But that face has changed now
Though the expression is the same,
For it has seen much of life
And situations you can’t tame.
This face has looked on loss
So tragic it creased with pain,
While trying hard to smile out
As inside the heart was slain.
Inner traumas rocked the soul
Which nearly split the seam.
Causing untold agony but,
Outside the face would beam.
So laughter which we cherish
Has cracked the outer look,
Though these smile fed lines
Will belie the times it shook,
With mirth, and sometimes grief
As it was worn across the years,
That eroded pristine youth
With many of life’s fears.
So that cruel mirror on my wall
Reflects the good and bad,
Showing with lines and wrinkles
All the years of life I’ve had.
But I’m not ashamed of this
Please don’t be taken in.
For though sometimes I force it,
Years drop off when I grin.
*
You may take note of my “little hint” at the end, but totally up to you,…. But I will be watching.
Of course much of getting older can be hard to deal with, the need to get to a loo faster, but with a less swift body for example, but again it is our fortitude and probably how we deal with it all. Some more hits in next poem?
Sticks and Frames
However sturdy was your prime
In old age you’re not the same,
For many a fit and healthy man
Now has to use a stick or frame.
Even worse if you let things go
In matters of your future health,
Smoking and gross indulgence
Will certainly help age’s stealth,
As it creeps up steadily in time
Quicker the less exercise you do.
For often when it comes to life
Most decisions are down to you.
Pretending you’re too tired or ill
For any activity or a game,
Will surely accelerate the need
To use a walking stick or frame.
Sitting for hours inert in a chair
When you can move about much more,
Allows our bodies to slow down
Though of that you won’t be sure.
So makes excuses as you will
That you’re unlucky and not to blame,
If misfortune should condemn you
To have a stick or walking frame.
But whether any of this is true
And should you hide from any shame,
Maybe it would have taken longer
To require your stick or walking frame.
*
All jolly stuff then, so “gird your loins” and make the most of good times! You always do? Great nothing much to worry about then….
Backing Down
Lengthening shadows slowly creep
And impose more upon your years,
For this is the way its been decreed
And brings about our fears,
That we can’t cope any more
At the mercy of deaths sting,
Which has people on their knees
And scary nightmares bring.
So our very table of substances
Now allows us all to exist,
But should these be taken away
Their very presence may be missed.
For in many peoples situation
Life’s changes can take from them,
All the power of independence
Whilst constant pain will condemn.
Thus creeping about the world
Accumulated years take their toll,
Leaving hollow wrecks of folk
Who used to jig and rock and roll,
Along with other vibrant methods
That would depict life in a dance.
But now with the passing of time
For them existence is a trance.
But do not fear or be ashamed
Of those marching years you feel,
For however rich or famous
Life will continue to deal
Out the same sad treatment
To everybody, one and all.
However hard that it hits home
We must accept a dignified appal.
*
All spelt out then, but nothing we didn’t know or were aware of, although some may have wasted their time or years? I can only just reiterate that we must count our blessings and enjoy our time as much as possible! Obviously we all did, but perhaps anyone who stopped reading earlier on didn’t, but there you go, and they will also miss the “happy ending”?
So the end then, NO not “that” end, the end of this article with a “happy?” poem…..
Have Another Beer
The weather is not great
And through the rain we peer,
It is getting us all down
So have another beer.
We want to drive away
But roads are blocked I hear,
There are far too many cars
So lets have another beer.
A trip up to the shops
To join the thronging crowd,
And mad folks with their trolleys
Make you want to curse aloud!
So you stay at home to book
A holiday, not too dear,
But the internet is down
Best to have another beer.
Then you’re on the phone
Many options now to choose,
It’s enough to drive you mad
And go back on the booze.
They say you’re in a queue
But your turn is nowhere near,
I can’t be doing this
So I’ll have another beer.
Thus there’s so many things
In life to drive you mad,
So have another beer then
You just wont feel so bad!
*
Cheers, then!
All six of my books :–
Poetic Views of Life
More Poetic Views of Life
Reviews of Life in Verse &
Life Scene in Verse
Life Presented In Verse,
And NOW my sixth book =
Poet Reveals All (in your world).
These all ensure my donation to the excellent charity I support, promote and donate to, that being Help for Heroes.
My first 3 books are only priced £4.99 each, with my 4th and 5th bigger books at £6.99. My new and sixth book, bigger still is £9.99. and all are for sale on Amazon, book stores or from me ………….. lw1800@hotmail.co.uk Or 07967 355236
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