Aging Gracefully: Reflections on Life’s Changes

                       Older

As we grow older

The winters seem to grow colder.

We don’t remember much from last year.

But the happiness of long ago is very clear.

There may not be much silver in our hair

But a lady rises to offer us the rocking chair.

We introduce a friend and blush with shame

For just at the moment, we can’t recall her name.      

Friends tell us we look no older than 10 years ago

But we know that isn’t so

For there’s an old mirror hanging in the hall

That doesn’t lie to us at all

As we step from the curb to the street

Keeping an eye on both feet

We pretend not to mind at all

As a kindly voice says, “Look out, don’t fall.”

We hardly know what to say or do,

As the handsome salesman showed us an old lady’s shoe.

But we shall laugh, not cry

As the sales lady hands us an old lady’s hat to try.

                                                                                    A.E. N.

Alma Nevatt