I shall not have to wait until I am an old woman to wear purple

For I have always worn it, with red hat or no hat or whatever suits me.

And I spend my money on fine wine and chocolates, hair combs and jazz,

And always have enough left over for real butter.

When I'm tired I sit, no matter where

And gobble up samples in stores I frequent

And I still run my finger along public railings,

A carry-over from a carefree youth.

I always go outside in my socks in the rain

And have picked flowers from forbidden places.

As for spitting, I can, but no one has seen.

I wear what I like and I won't grow fat!

Three pounds of bacon, though, I could do that

Or bread, if it's homemade, and the pickles are sour

I hoard pens and pencils and coasters and little boxes

I'm never concerned about staying dry,

Dinner parties or knowing what’s "in"

I pay the bills and fume when I’m mad

And my example to children is "be who you are"

All who know me know this to be true

So they'll never be shocked or surprised in the least

As I age, but never grow old, and continue to wear purple.

(I had written Miss Joseph upon completion of this poem, and her response was pure enjoyment! She said that she was "amused and flattered" that her poem had been the inspiration and catalyst for the creation of "I Shall Not Have to Wait".)