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Sunday 3 July 2016

OLD LADIES

They're hoary and wrinkled as aged tortoises,
delicate and faded as antique lace
that if handled would fall to pieces.
Old ladies sit huddled together in pairs
on benches in the centre of Millennium Park
and pull their shawls closer with unsteady hands
around bony shoulders in vain attempts
to ward off the cool summer breeze.

Knitting needles clack competitively as
memories are embellished and shared with pride:
places they've been, things they've seen, who they've been -
edges of fact and fantasy blurred
by forgetfulness and wishful thinking.
Aah those children, grand and great-grand children -
such paragons of loving family support
(whom they see only once in a decade, with luck).
Well it's not out of choice, it's because they're so busy!

A girl passes by, heavily tattooed,
in mini skirt and stilettos, with myriad piercings.
"Disgraceful!" they mutter with disdain in unison,
with much tutting and vigorous shaking of heads.
Have they really forgotten the years of their youth
and the dashing Airmen of World War II
whom they vied with each other to try to impress:
all painted nails, scarlet lips and gravy browned legs,
while older women labelled them tarts !

At teatime old habits call them home,
and by sunset they've finally made it there.
From cots barred in like hamster cages,
in pink hairnets these old ladies sip cocoa and laugh
at comedians on oversized TVs 'til eleven,
then it's lights-out - a strict rule of the home.
But ageing is merely a state of mind:
sleep isn't for those rebellious few
who sneak out the back for a much craved fag
and a snog with the Colonel, now sixty years retired.


31 comments:

  1. Dear this is really beautiful ♡♡♡♡ hugs to you !

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    1. Oh thank you, my dear friend!!
      I am so sorry to hear your sad news.

      Sending lots of hugs and much love your way...xoxoxo

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  2. I smiled, I said "that's me"...and "what a bitch I can be", but loving every word you've written!!
    Talented lady...thank you so much for these wonderful words~

    Big Hugs and Lots of Love
    xoxoxo

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    1. It's me too, Jan - especially the end bit...well, I'd like to think so anyway! lol
      Thank you so much, my dear Friend.:))

      Much Love & Hugs xooxo

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  3. I'm an old lady, friend Ygraine ... but not knitting ... am an old bitch though ... smiles ... but never when sumbody asks me 4 help ... smiles ... street peeps are my favourite ... and I will help always ... cuz I remember what it is like 2 have nothing ... Love, cat.

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    1. Ha...seems we're two of a kind, Cat!
      Can't say I'm growing old gracefully...and not at all sure I'd want to! lol

      Many thanks, my Friend...and Lots of Love.xoxoxo

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  4. I really liked this poem of yours Ygraine, for it truly took me there, this is one of the reasons I like your writing so much, because it always takes me there.

    There's something I'd like to share, my blog has changed and so have I, for I've returned to who I truly am, for there's no escape for me, for I'll always be a Witch.

    If you'd like to stop by, you're more than welcome, just click on my name and you'll be taken there.

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    1. Wow...what a compliment...my heart-felt thanks, Lon!

      LOVE LOVE LOVE your new blog!!
      It feels so YOU...like you have finally returned home...
      Welcome home, my Friend...so good to have you back...:))

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  5. This is beautiful, Ygraine!

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    1. Many thanks, Linda!:))

      Have a fabulous day.

      Big Hugs xoxoxo

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  6. Beautifully illustrated in wonderful words. I know these ladies so well. The queen would fit in nicely…

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    1. Thank you so much, Anthony!
      Yes, think I know them too...
      Can't imagine the Queen knitting though! *smiles*

      Have a brilliant day! :))

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  7. Impressive and eloquent contemplation of a park tableau. The lives behind the figures on a bench invite imagination. You manage this with kindness.

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    1. Oh wow...not quite sure what to say, Geo...I feel so honoured...thank you so much!:))
      I imagined my future self in this one...would like to think I'll be one of the rebels...*smiles*

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  8. You've described it so well. Nice!

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    1. Thank you, Lux...I really appreciate that! :))

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  9. You are such a fantastic writer, leaves me breathless, and how right you are ah those who have forgotten, judge
    and my dear woman in my store I will fix it after my visits i have a book for you, it's meant for you always as been, if you can't afford it i'll lower the price or just charge you for delivery...and I'll leave note saying that it has already been purchased. It was always meant for you...

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    Replies
    1. Oh wow...thank you, Sweetie!

      I am looking forward to seeing this book. I am intrigued...

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  10. My Dear Ygraine, I HAVE A BOOK reserved for you, check it out: http://cashandcatchl.blogspot.ca/ either in its large format or select the one before last to view all...but the book \i think you'd want it...check it out

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    1. Sweetie...I have been trying to access your blogspot...but keep getting redirected back to my own page.:/
      It could be my connection. This part of the country is notorious for poor connection. I will be home on Sunday...will try again then.
      It is taking me like forever just to type these replies! Grrr!!!

      Lots of Love xoxoxo

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  11. This is fantastic! I love this!!! You described everything perfectly! Big Hugs!

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    1. Oh wow...Your kind words are SO appreciated!
      Thank you so, so much!!:))

      All My Love & Hugs xoxoxo

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  12. I REALLY enjoyed this poem Ygraine. I could just see those ladies, with knit needles in hand, shawled shoulders, papery cheeks...wonderfully evocative words.

    And yes, age IS definitely a state of mind. And I'm planning to age disgracefully in the best possible way. LOL!!!

    Hugs to you, G

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    1. Well said, Soul-Sister!! LOL

      Here's hoping we can stay in touch throughout those exciting years...and exchange stories...;))

      Big Hugs xoxoxo

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  13. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  14. PS: Sorry about the duplicate comment, it's kind of going wonky as I try to post this! ;-(

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    1. Ha, some days it happens to me almost every time I post...what IS going on, Blogger??

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  15. Beautiful, beautiful. This poem is so vivid, so fresh. Thanks.

    Greetings from London.

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    1. Oh thank you so much, CiL!
      Really happy you liked it...:))

      Greetings from Hampshire.

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  16. thats some observation and imagination there...

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    1. Many thanks, Deeps...

      And love the new profile picture!:))

      Delete

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I really appreciate hearing your opinions...:)