Downslope
May 8, 2008 by thisgirlremembers
Surely it was inevitable,
This slowing down of yours,
Hands softer now for lack of labor
In your long-abandoned fields,
Muscles weaker, joints that
Creak and pop when flexed,
Clothes that hang just a whisper
Looser on your sloping frame.
And finally, you must admit,
You too are bound by all the
Bitter rules of human form,
You who always claimed that
A smart and cautious man who
Worked his mind and worked his body,
Religiously for eighty years or more,
Could hold at bay the clinging grasp
Of that withered hag, old age.
Maybe now you’ll take some time
To rest your weary feet -
There’s no shame in it, you know.
-~-~-~-~
Three Word Wednesday prompt: cautious, human, maybe
Beautiful, soft, lyrical, moving…….really good.
The character of this man comes through so clearly. A man’sman who worked the earth, who never wants to give up the fight. Great poem! The sound also flows so nicely. A true gem.
this so reminds me of past generations,, those that worked in the home and on the land to provide for themselves and their families… just wonderfully done.
This was beautiful.
You’re right, there’s no shame in it, but I’ve seen many an older gentleman fight it. My grandpa being one of them. Sitting still and not working just doesn’t suit his generation.
Wonderful poem. My grandfather didn’t sit still until he passed away at 94. Up and down the stairs, riding an exercise bike, he was amazing. Thanks for making me remember!
this is beautiful…love the flow..
Can’t help but echo the “beautifuls” Capture aging so well
I love it, nicely done.
Enjoyed your words, as usual. A wonderful profile of a man who reminds me of some that I have known. And a reminder of the relentless nature of time.
nice, very nice.