And Up

Cary & Jaymie,
two lovely ladies

Those far youngerthinnersmootherfaced than we

can hardly comprehend that there's an upside to

becoming over 55. Discounts, special deals for we who are

the "55 and up's" – that’s only the beginning.

Thinning hair for men, perhaps, revealing perfect heads

that don't require a cover-up. A woman's southern hemisphere may start to see an increased pull of gravity, but softer curves are just the thing for cuddling.

Did I say cuddling?

What about the dance floor, for a woman who is over 55

has been alive for long enough that she's not scared to get out there 

and show'em how it's done. There's passion

in her veins, not preservatives, and she no longer gives

a damn who likes it or who doesn't, she will

live the second half of life on her own terms.

More wisdom and a more developed sense of style,

more time to do exactly what we want, more money

than we had back in those younger, leaner years,

the joy of seeing children grow into adults who finally

can appreciate our sacrifices in the past and even give us

grandkids so that we can spoil them now and then.

When we were youngerthinnersmootherfaced we didn't

have a clue that life could be this good, or comprehend

the many upsides of becoming 55 and up.


(c) Ellen Gillette, 2014

My friend Cary Hazellief joins me at 56 tomorrow for a few months before I move up to 57. Her daughter Jaymie suggested I write her a poem.