I get older and older, and it looms
or seems to. And so I start to wonder,
when will the night descend? In the meantime,
how shall I go on, keep my good comfort
and the remaining pleasures of my days?
My niece in Castlemaine, son in Melbourne,
if asked, might want to house and care for me
(and I could pay them most of my pension).
In both cities, old friends … keep ageing too.
I choose (once more): here. The rivers, mountains …
Written for Poets and Storytellers United, at Friday Writings #200: To the Power of Ten. (I'm not expecting to pop off any time soon, but I'll turn 86 next month, so one does begin to think that the end must be coming a little closer.)
Any 10-line poem is called a decastitch. This specific version, unrhymed and with also 10 syllables per line, is known as the Ten-by-Ten. It's supposed to be one stanza only, but mine fell naturally into two, so I am calling it a Ten-by-Ten variant.
Perhaps the kindest thing we can be gifted - to ourselves or by our loved ones is that ability to choose. Perhaps it makes for comfort in the here and now. Long may you have comfortable days in the place you love - Jae
ReplyDeleteThanks for that good wish, Jae! To which I add my own prayers. I am actually enjoying my life.
DeleteGrab each day. That is all that we are given. Coincidentally, I am moving to Castlemaine in December.
ReplyDeleteI believe you are right!
DeleteI have enjoyed my visits to Castlemaine (though my niece actually lives on a property some way out of the town). I'm told there are now a number of writers (including poets) living there, some of whom I knew in my Melbourne days. So I hope you will find it very congenial. But for me, after growing up on an island, I MUST have water. Rivers are good – so are mountains – but also I don't like to be too far inland, too far away from the sea.
Yes its a strange awareness isn't it. And how great that you've chosen for the rivers and mountains.
ReplyDeleteYes, I have a need for them. And also to have the sea not to far away. (You would understand, I think.)
DeleteI had my time near the water, now I'm in the mountains. I too, am somewhat wondering where would be the best place to enjoy the inevitable end.
ReplyDeleteI am so very lucky that I live in a place where I can have both mountains and river, and the sea is close by.
DeleteLike me, we are starting the process of downsizing. That means senior living facility. I am older than you, 92 next Thursday.
ReplyDeleteMy doctor thinks I am doing very well for 86. I hope I continue to do as well as you when I get to 92! I do hope to be able to remain in my own home (which actually belongs to the Housing Dept.) with a bit of visiting help from time to time if I need it. So far, all I need is occasional assistance with housework and gardening.
DeleteGood questions. I so relate. How long can we stay where we are. I really enjoyed reading your comment on my poem today. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteHow fortunate we are that, whatever else is happening in our lives, we (all us online scribblers) can enjoy each other's poetry!
DeleteYou impress us all with your cerebral acuity and energy. Wishing you many more years of enjoying life in your lovely part of the world and giving us so much pleasure reading your poems.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks, Rall. Yes, my doctor congratulated me recently: 'You still have your mind.' I am indeed thankful for that; he said he sees many far younger than me who have not.
DeleteWhat a wonderful conclusion - it's good to be surrounded by near and dear ones but independence of spirit is also coveted.
ReplyDeleteVery true!
DeleteI understand how you'd pick the mountains and the rivers. I hope you enjoy them for many more years. Good to have others who can help if need be, my oldest son has mentioned my moving closer to him, but he gets snow and ice. No thanks.
ReplyDeleteOh, I am absolutely with you about snow and ice!
DeleteAm glad you are where you love it with the rivers and mountains and writing poetry... but this poem needs to end with a hug...so sending a giant one...
ReplyDeleteOh, thank you. I felt it from here! *Big smile; hugs back.*
DeleteYour deep introspection regarding where you / me as well, are in this life's journey is beautifully delivered. Brava, Rosemary. I also choose mountains and rivers.
ReplyDeleteWell of course! (We know we are secret sisters.)
DeleteWishing you a long life, my friend.
ReplyDeleteMay we live, not think of the end.
We will all leave when it is time.
There may be no reason or rhyme.
When we have to go, we must go.
No efforts can stop that flow...
Thank you, and I wish you the same! How true, your verse here in response.
DeleteSince we do not know when that appointment will arrive, thrive, laugh, and
ReplyDeleteenjoy your surroundings always.
An excellent plan! Thank you.
DeleteI think I was brought up from infancy to advocate for seniors who want to keep their own homes. Now I'm becoming one of them.
ReplyDeleteThat is my wish for myself, too.
Delete