It started out about the color purple
A line from an old poem that came to mind
As for me, when I am old I shall wear purple
Is that it I asked, innocently enough
That’s ridiculous, she snorted
An old person in purple, might as well add spandex
You miss the idea, I explained
In hopes of diverting the inevitable
She is only saying that when you get old
Why not be absurd, be expressive
Be everything you were afraid to be when young
That’s even worse, she said, nothing like an old fool
Trying to act young again, being ‘creative’
Expressing herself, she laughed scornfully
Take my advice, when you get old express yourself
But do it quietly in mauves and muted colors
Linens and an occasional flowered print
But purple! No when I get old, she said
I shall wear tasteful clothes and proper hats
But you! You, I have no doubt
Will wear purple tie dyed tshirts over faded jeans!
I shrugged and folded another orange t-shirt
My sister knows me so well