I agree. Our words will live on after we do.

The mirror never lies Ron.
But sometimes we don't like what we see anymore.
Keep things in context and perspective, as it pays off.

You make some very valid points that really "hit home" as I have always been (and still so) in denial about aging. Love and peace to you,

Regis.

WE HAVE GROWN A COUPLE OF TREASURED INCHES(SMILE)WHEN WE REALIZE; WHAT'S INSIDE WHICH HAS, IN MANY CASES, BEEN IGNORED FOR YEARS...IS SO MUCH MORE VALUABLE THAN WHAT'S OUTSIDE. THANKS FOR SHARING, MY FRIEND...LOVE, BLESSINGS AND FAITH...HIS+INSPIRATIONS

"Write it into your prose with all that you've had."
Love it, Ron!

I always tell my kids, don't look for my corpus at the grave site...I'm leaving my body of work behind. That's where they'll find me.

Blessings.

lol so true, I hope that when I'm old and gray, I can re-read my poetry and smile. As to when that is, that's my secret to keep lol, Have a wonderful day dear Ron, xo

So well said. I personally believe that there is nothing wrong in trying to keep up one's image, particularly if you are in the public domain as many of the people you sited in the poem. An interest work well executed that comes at a timely moment, in my ripe old age !

Great wisdom in your poetic words.

I'm not willing to let myself go to seed. Keep moving, I say. And, don't buy into "old age".

Dear Ronald,
you are so wise. I look forward to reading your writings. well said. I enjoyed it very much.
Caol

I'm old, bald and gray,
and certainly not in shape or fit.
But as to what anyone's opinion might be,
I really don't give a shit.


Some people age better than others. My dad, at age 70 when he died, still had a full head of dark hair, with no gray. My mom on the other hand seemed to age rapidly. I think I've got her genes. Your poem was a most delightful read. I loved that ending.

I am always told for 65 I look pretty damn good & I tend to agree, as the only time I look at myself is when in the mirror its me I can see...-e-

Very nice, Ron. One of those 'curve balls' you reference is the cost of human vanity. If you attempt to forestall the natural ravages of time & aging, you will definitely have to pay for the privilege. Men have a certain advantage in this (the aging process), in that age quite often confers an appearance of dignification (assuming that one starts off life with good genes, and ipso facto, with good looks as basic modeling clay; if one is born 'average' or with unremarkably common appearance, one is generally SOL regardless of how much road repair work one undergoes), assuming that some reasonable effort is made during one's life to stay fit, healthy and mentally acute. Women, on the other hand (unless extremely wealthy, like all of the Fondas), tend to suffer more from aging effects in terms of their self-image. In our sexist culture women are still considered sex-objects first and autonomous, self-actualised creatures last, so we coerce them into this obsessiveness, sadly enough.

Truly well-adjusted individuals simply accept aging & the progressive (inevitable) anatomical disrepair that ensues and are light years ahead of the curve in that aesthetic consideration (as we all know).

Your construction here is delightful, since it is a subject that lies close to the secret heart of all of us, from the most equanimeous through the vainest narcissists amongst us.

PS: Jane Fonda, despite her proscriptive youthful transgressions during the Vietnam war, remains one of the foxiest (yes, I'm a sexist too!) 81 year olds on this planet, in my opinion. The sight of her up there, sweating away in a skimpy aerobic exercise outfit was usually enough to modify my anatomical perineal topography considerably...

Cheers & aloha, K2 :)