Poem about aging

Frances, Age 69

I am not old… she said
I am rare.

I am the standing ovation
At the end of the play.

I am the retrospective
Of my life as art

I am the hours
Connected like dots
Into good sense

I am the fullness
Of existing.

You think I am waiting to die…
But I am waiting to be found

I am a treasure.
I am a map.

And these wrinkles are
Imprints of my journey

Ask me
anything.

Author: Samantha Reynolds

This entry was posted in 70candles, Aging, Poetry and tagged , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

13 Responses to Poem about aging

  1. Sage says:

    Hello everyone, my name is Sage and I am new here…and for fun, I love to write… here is one of my poems, as I age… I will be 76 soon…

    A Necessary Path… by the Sage

    I am a map for growing old and
    have a bearing of what a long time
    around woman should be.

    Back then to be young was very
    heaven, but youth kept getting in
    the way, times when I would make
    it rain, then stand in it and complain.

    Today I take my head from my hands
    to remember grim moments scribed into
    my past, nothing more than the trail
    I’ve left behind.

    The older I get, many more choices show
    on my face, as I arrive where I go
    by way where there is no ecstasy.

    Getting too old for wintering hard
    acceptance leans heavy on my skin from
    thin bones, telling me the awareness
    of now is all there is.

    Sage (c)

  2. mary hirsch says:

    Linda,
    First of all, please know I am very sorry you are going through such a rough patch but glad you found this site. All the advice you have been given is good advice; excellent advice, especially about seeking our RESOURCES to help you.

    As one who has experienced a reversal of fortune, I can relate 100% … and I encourage you to start out with your doctor to help you stabilize your physical health and get you additional help to weather the storm. Since you have no family, it is IMPERATIVE that you get to a state where you are able to THINK and find clarity: This is where professional help kicks in. There is NO substitute. As well, if you are a woman of faith, HOLD ON! HOLD ON! HOLD ON!

    Fear, depression, loneliness, anxiety and fear are PARALIZING. That is why starting out with your doctor will begin the process of helping you. Otherwise, everything else is, understandably, overwhelming at this point.

    PLEASE keep us posted. We care.
    Mary
    P.S. Suffering is a big part of life; we just take turns. But you have 70Candles! to help you light your way…

    Life is

  3. Blog Mavens says:

    And another useful resource:

    The website SeniorCare.com has a place to type in the name of your state and then your city to see all the senior services offered in your area. It is quite thorough.
    Jane

  4. Linda Mercurio says:

    i’m 70 years old and scared. since September 2017 i have lost my home and my favorite Aunt. I have to claim bankruptcy. i’m scared out of my mind. i have no friends or family. i have a learning disability. don’t know what to do. i’m afraid of dying. since i lost my home i’ve been very depressed. live in an apartment i don’t like but that’s all i can afford. 2 years ago i was on top of the world. had a beautiful home and money. it’s all gone now. don’t know how to start over. thank you for listening.

    • Fran says:

      Linda, I don’t know where you live, but if you live in fairly big city, your city should have a Department of Senior Affairs. Call the main number of your city government, and the receptionist will tell you if your city has a Department of Senior Affairs and, if it does, the receptionist will give you the phone number. Call the Dept. of Senior Affairs, tell them what is happening in your life, and there will be someone to help you. You can also e-mail me directly. I think my e-mail address is under the “Gatherings” tab at the top of this page. //// That’s A LOT for you to go through in such a short time. I’d be scared too. But I am sure there is help available to you.

    • Blog Mavens says:

      Linda,

      I’m so sorry you’re going through a tough time. Feeling so alone can be terribly scary and depressing. I commend you for reaching out, and welcome you to 70Candles.

      The advice from Frances is very valuable…I hope you’re able to begin pursuing those leads.

      Here’s another resource you might find helpful. It’s a very active FaceBook group called Elder Orphans… a closed group …now over 7000 members…specifically for those over 55 who have no family, and are seeking supportive connections. I see they also have an ongoing FaceBook Elder Orphans Chat. I hope you’re able to check it out, and that it will be fruitful.

      There is also a website called Roommates4Boomers that matches women across the country with others who would like to create and share living arrangements. Also worth a look.

      Be assured that there are others out there like you, seeking social connections, needing help, and willing to share ideas and support.

      I wish you good luck in your efforts to find a way through this difficult moment.
      Jane

  5. Julia says:

    Brava Sister! Thank u 4 these thoughts
    Julia

  6. Ellen says:

    I LOVE this poem! I am giving a talk tomorrow (Apr. 3rd) in Albany, NY, on positive aging. I would very much like to start my talk by reading your poem, Samantha. I agree wholeheartedly with Ruby and Margaret. May I have permission to read it? Of course, I will acknowledge you as the poet. Is there anything else I can say about you by way of introduction?
    Thank you!
    Ellen

    • Fran says:

      Ellen, yes, it is an exquisite poem. However, I have no idea who Samantha is. I found the poem on another web site. I copied it and gave her credit. There was nothing on the web site as to who she is/was.

  7. Margaret says:

    What a beautiful uplifting poem. Thank you, Samantha.

  8. Ruby in Manhattan says:

    This just gets better with every reading. Bravo!

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