Although this poem has been offered here only a few months ago, it does happen to be one of the poet’s personal favorites, and she did promise it to her new WP friend Joyful2bee, so here you have it…

*****

Recorded Reading (2:04): https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/4s01pd0x9agjwdjftr977/Gracelessly-Aging-Mavin.mp3?rlkey=iqrgu3l0udibt3t6giszcxmza&dl=0

*****

Gracelessly Aging Maven

I’ve got a right to be feisty
I hurt all over myself
Everyone fifty and younger
Keeps trying to put me
Back up on some shelf!

Oh, do you find me somewhat testy?
I’ve had all the bullshit I can
Serenely intake
In one significantly
Hyperextended lifespan!

If I seem a little impatient
At your oh-so-lovely display
Of this or of that
For some feminine purpose
Well, I just can’t stand here all day

My hips and my back they are aching
My feet they are totally numb
Your voice in my ears
Is all overlaid
By some constant, anonymous hum

But, as they say, that is okay
Beause I have heard it before
And doubtless I heard it from somebody who
Lied better than you do,
What’s more

Your machinations are transparent
As through the most finely glazed glass
Hidden motivations
All clearly apparent
In these wise old peepers, my lass!

If fortune does favor the foolish
And you get to my age to be
We’ll see with my right
To be badly uptight
You don’t find you grow to agree

When people all look just like babies
And autos all seem just the same
Many modern words
In each conversation
The meanings of which you can’t name

As if that’s not enough, your back’s bent in half
And feels every bit of it, too
Don’t go anywhere
Because people stare
And folks have to slow down for you

Not even to mention, upon your return
From every side trip to the toilet
Your feeble relief
Comes swiftly to grief:
Another trip comes up to spoil it

Yes, I’ve earned the right to be crabby
Be crabby late and crabby soon
As long as I’m having to listen
To juvenile nonsense,
You little buffoon!

*****

This poet presently lives at a fraction of her nation’s poverty level.

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