Did not older aging already pay forward its pound of flesh
As it dances to the droll rhythm of the march of time
Gracefully we pirouette, demi plie, twirl and whirl
Each gyration moving us ever closer to that grand finale
Is older aging paying backwards in the realm of pain
For them bones sure do moan and groan
While the winters of their discontent
Beckon closer and so much closer
To the opening of the gates of the Pearly one
Is aging gracefully really a real reality
When the approaching twilight of one's years
Can sometimes bite like the grip of a rabid dog
That sinks its teeth in flesh and bone, refusing to let go
Aches and pains appear mysteriously in diverse places
Which one has almost already forgotten that one even has
Ah yes! It comes to us all
If we are lucky
Life's vulnerabilities seem multiplied tenfold
The nonchalance of youth hurriedly fades away
Each step, each stride, once made without fear
With confidence
Is now carefully gauged and measured
Fearing that imminent slip or doomed fall
Holding on with all might and main
Now seems uppermost in the mellowing mind
Them bones that age, they say, may not mend
Unlike the wayward calcium enriched of the young
Bones once lost may never be regained
Loved ones hasten to soothe, comfort and assist
If we are lucky
If what we offered in life is deserving of their love
When the day comes when we hope that that which we gave
May now be returned willingly and without obligation
For aging requires love, comfort and a listening ear
One should never age alone
It should be gently guided into our next phase
With a quiet reassurance that all will be well
With that hope held steadfast
We then need not fear that dreaded last goodbye
Atavistic, ancient and ancestral though our bones now be
With grace, elegance, poise and acceptance
We now bid a fond adieu, farewell, and au revoir!
.......................................................................................................................
About the Creator
Novel Allen
You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. (Maya Angelou). Genuine accomplishment is not about financial gain, but about dedicating oneself to activities that bring joy and fulfillment.
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Comments (16)
Beuatifully written, and I love "Atavistic" - a much underused word!
I love this, everything from your vernacular to your use of simile to the flow of the piece is so elegantly put! Such a great poem with meaningful insights on what it means to age gracefully! Great work Novel!
That's amazing and profound. Has echoes of Time from Dark Side of the Moon, but it's all you. Hard to age gracefully, but it's the only way to go.
You always use words that make my ears happy
This is stunning, and so very true. Every day, feeling a lot you are expressing so beautifully here. Well done on this, Novel!
Love it We can also daily turn into a chi and let the physicality free us from the older ageing muscle tree ! I want to be happy to experience all these changes and to observe my body and face change but in this world people are making it often visually bad instead enjoy that shift of a life in a different kind of a mature happier phase!
WORK OF ART! Beautiful
Awww, this was brimming with positivity to embrace aging as it comes. Beautiful work!
Novel, this is touching and beautiful! One of my favorite lines is "Atavistic, ancient and ancestral though our bones now be..." Have you been listening to a wise Elder? Your insights are astounding and not expected of one who appears to still be young and vital. Forgive me for making assumptions. I pray that you are well and will continue gracing the world with your gifts of love and writing.
This is the second poem about getting old I've read in the last 24 hours and I'm feeling them in my sciatic nerve, I tell you! Very good. Were the last two lines a setting of intention?
I really like that idea Novel of not ageing alone and having someone “to guide us into the next phase!” Terrific & thoughtful writing. Great job. 😊
Brilliant!
Aging gracefully!!! Was that a marketing lie or line? Especially love, "Aches and pains appear mysteriously in diverse places."
gorgeous work Novel! May you live long, be in good health and prosper my friend!
Whew ~ Look who's 'Schpieling' on aging ~ Need an expert opinion I'm your man ~ J-Bud
This was graceful and somber and beautiful. Really well done and reflective. I enjoyed this.