I have walked this stage
for more than half a century.
My God! How ancient the sound of it.
Looking back I identify the places
where the ‘acts’ were spliced,
although invisible at the time.
There were some wonderful parts;
the infant, the juvenile, the adult -
complicated characters all!
Now the critics advise that I must accept
a new part; ‘Elderly’ or even ‘Old’.
I refuse this branding, as I did the others.
I do not drool or vacantly stare
As if imagining a ghostly presence
I manage continence…reasonably well!
Why should I be stigmatized so?
This is my production, I say!
I will decide the role best suited.
But a voice whispers from the wings,
‘You are only the actor, I write the script.
When I direct, you must exit stage left!’
Comments
Bradene | May 24, 2009 - 09:55
Ho! ho! I've Sixteen years on you Chris but I can tell you are already divining the future all too well. Good write I'd say. Val x
Silver Spun Sand | May 24, 2009 - 10:02
A very clever write, Chris and I can only echo Val's words.
Tina xx
Nathan Bednarek | May 24, 2009 - 14:51
I'm 18, so I won't be commenting on the meaning of this poem ;-p but I admire what you've done here ;-D
Nathan.
threeleafshamrock | May 24, 2009 - 16:32
Thanks Val...you don't sound a day over 30 ;)
threeleafshamrock | May 24, 2009 - 16:33
As for you Tina, you could not possibly relate to this for at least another 40 years ;) Thanks for reading. XX
threeleafshamrock | May 24, 2009 - 16:34
Nathan...oh to be 18 again, sighs. Thanks for reading though ;)
Dynamaso | May 24, 2009 - 23:39
Not quite where you are yet, mate, but too close for comfort (or continence for that matter LOL). But seriously, as Tina said, this is a clever piece. Much enjoyed...
threeleafshamrock | May 26, 2009 - 10:53
Cheers D. You too have a long way to go mate; lets make the most of them ;) Thanks for reading, me OLD mate LOL.
threeleafshamrock | May 26, 2009 - 10:55
Thanks for the cherry folks, it's taken years off me ;)
sarah wilson | May 26, 2009 - 12:51
I'm catching up with you too! Congrats on the well deserved cherry:)
threeleafshamrock | May 26, 2009 - 13:17
Thanks Sarah ;)
MistakenMagic | May 26, 2009 - 18:08
'But a voice whispers from the wings,
‘You are only the actor, I write the script.
When I direct, you must exit stage left!’'
Oooo just love the last stanza! Very haunting!
And wow, I haven't even got two decades under my belt - sure makes me feel like a kid ;)
Magic xxx
threeleafshamrock | May 26, 2009 - 19:11
Hey Magic, I'm jealous enough of your work without adding good looks and youth to your armoury. ;) XX
Dynamaso | May 27, 2009 - 05:37
"me OLD mate "
Ouch, right in the soft spot LOL
MistakenMagic | May 27, 2009 - 07:43
Haha who said anything about good looks ?! And your work is wonderful Chris, please trust me on that one, you should never be jealous!
Magic xxx
threeleafshamrock | May 27, 2009 - 07:54
LOL D. Us old guys gotta get in all the digs we can; from a safe distance of course haha!
threeleafshamrock | May 27, 2009 - 07:58
LOL, Magic; I am sure you are gorgeous - not that it matters - and the vast majority of 'writers' on here would be jealous of your work...but in a nice way. I find it uplifting to come across talent anywhere but to find the level of excellence that you display in one so (relatively) young, restores my faith in...well just about everything lol. ;) XX