long married
just turned eighty-seven
she ‘never
wanted another fella’ –
some fairy-tales come true
14/11/25
oh no!
her new photo tells me
she’s old –
so much younger than me
I know, how can this be?
19/11/25
next door
is quiet today –
the artist
I think must be working
deeply absorbed (like me)
20/11/25
unlike
in religion, politics,
lifestyle
yet we are old friends –
we see each other’s hearts
21/11/25
Note: I'm referring to four different friends of mine who happened to come into my consciousness at this time. Some readers, here and elsewhere, have been a bit confused about that.
Sharing this with Poets United for Friday Writings #204 , where the optional prompt is to take inspiration from the quote, ‘The most expensive garment you’ll ever own is your own flesh.’ But I didn't have time to write something new for that theme today. Instead, here I am looking out at other people.
Gotcha on aging. I was 92 in October. Now when there's a problem with my body for no reason, even did a spinal test, it gets blamed for being aged. Examples, I am anemic and stage three kidney failure. No reasons from tests, blamed each on age. Glad you put that one, your age situation in. And the I could tell you to be expecting.
ReplyDeleteWell, I am only 86! This long-and-happily-married 87-year-old is a dear friend of mine.
ReplyDeleteA lovely, loving collection.
ReplyDelete“This is a beautiful lens into the lives of two friends
ReplyDeleteHmmm, I might have to consider labelling them a bit more. It’s actually 3 different friends — 4 if I.count me.Anyway, glad you found the verses beautiful.
DeleteOops, I mean 4 friends, and 5 if you count me.
DeleteLovely
ReplyDeleteMany thanks!
DeleteIt's neat to get this poetic view of people who have touched your life. What a sweet way to mark their presence.
ReplyDeleteI set myself to play this little game of practising tanka during November, on whatever subject comes to mind, and I found certain themes emerging by which I’m grouping them.
DeleteThe verses are indeed beautiful - it's easy for everyone to narrate so much with so few words.
ReplyDeletebeautifully written...
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you think so.
DeleteA lovely warm cameo of your friends. Enjoy the short form poems.
ReplyDeleteYes, I find them very enjoyable.
DeleteI got a good chuckle from the first few. Right on!
ReplyDeleteThank you. A good chuckle is an excellent thing.
DeleteIt is so nice that you have 4 friends to keep in touch with. Lovely write and thank you for your beautiful words at mine
ReplyDeleteThank you. I am indeed blessed in my friendships.
DeleteSo well penned - I can relate to two. My 40th HS reunion - many I have not seen since 1983 and I thought - they have aged. "They". lol. AND the last one - politics, religion, etc. My best friend and I are polar opposites!
ReplyDeleteMy unlike friend says, 'Surely we're adult enough to disagree without needing to have a fight about it' and also remarks on the richness of having friends with a variety of opinions. How could I not love such a wise woman!
DeleteYour observations have depth and an awareness that most folks don't grasp ... I love each of them ... I think the artist was my favorite.
ReplyDeleteHe liked it too, and said my intuition was good: he was indeed 'doing a bit of painting' that afternoon.
Delete"yet we are old friends –
ReplyDeletewe see each other’s hearts"
I love the humor and truth in this, Rosemary!
Thanks, Sara!
Delete