Pinecones and Roses

Monday, October 4, 2010

Warning

You've probably read this before but I since I'm reading the book right now
here it is again

Warning
When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
With a red hat which doesn't go, and doesn't suit me.
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandals, and say we've no money for butter.
I shall sit down on the pavement when I'm tired
And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells
And run my stick along the public railings
And make up for the sobriety of my youth. 
I shall go out inb my slippers in the rain
And pick the flowers in other people's gardens
And learn to spit.

You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat
And eat three pounds of sausages at a go
Or only bread and pickle for a week
And hoard pens and pencils and beermats and things in boxes.

But now we must have clothes that keep us dry
And pay our rent and not swear in the steet
And set a good example for the children.
We must have friends to dinner and read the papers. 

But maybe I ought to practice a little now?
So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised
When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.
Jenny Joseph
            

7 comments:

Angela said...

Well, I don't wear purple much or hats of any color and I definitely don't spit...but I do quite a few things I didn't do in my youth. I start conversations with people I don't know and sing everywhere I go and take my granddaughter's advice to "fix my hair, like you just don't care!". I like this part of growing old...not being so concerned with all the details, unless I decide they are important!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi Diane, I have read that before---but love it... It fits me to a "T"..... I used to fix myself up (fingernails done, make-up, nice skirts/dresses, etc. NOW---I wear sweats (or short in the summer) --and never wear make-up anymore... Oh Well---I love just being me these days.... AND---I love purple!!!!

Thanks for sharing... Love your roses. That color is beautiful.
Hugs,
Betsy

Heidi said...

that was fun to read. What book is it?
I love the picture of your bedroom with Rascal.

Jane said...

Have read this before, but it is always good to read it again. There's something very freeing about those words, isn't there?

Jane

Jayne said...

I first saw this in my 20's and it resonated with me then, and still does. It's truly about living and embracing life, isn't it?

Pondside said...

That will be me! We have a group of political activists up here called 'The Raging Grannies' and I aspire to be one of them someday!

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Hi Diane, hope you are having a terrific Tuesday. One of the young teachers at school today kept calling me ma'am. Not used to that at all. Our internet wasn't working yesterday and now it is time for bed. :/ Never enough time. Best wishes, Tammy