by Jennifer Lee
Member since:
December 31, 2008

~Aging~

November 13, 2009 12:48 AM EST (Updated: November 14, 2009 06:24 PM EST)
views: 153 | comments: 80

In the darkness of a quiet night,

solitude verges on loneliness,

an ache seeps into my soul.

I wish to curl up like a rose bud

sepals engulfing petals,

an ovule securely tucked inside,

protection provided from sunlight.

Then I wouldn't feel this pain

that encroaches on my body.

The process begins slowly

like moss growing on an aged tree.

A glimpse at my skeleton in the clouds,

memories float away, can't recall yesterday.

My old bones now seek their grave.

link to this page
Bookmark this post:
Facebook
Twitter
Delicious
Buzz
More

Comments: 80

Robert - just a simple man - B. Nov 13, 2009, 12:57am EST
Jen, although somber, this lovely melding of words is indicative that your writing continues to grow. Melancholy, but magnificent. At some point we all entertain these thoughts. Love you hon.


Here's your God-Puppy:

for a Lady, a Princess, and a Daisy

Jennifer Lee Nov 13, 2009, 1:10am EST
Wow, thank you so much, Robert! I love when you visit my posts because you make the writing worthwhile with your praise. Hugs and I've already read your poem! :))
Annmarie B. Nov 13, 2009, 1:02am EST
Jen, we are all heading that way but if you believe in the after life your writing wouldn't be so sad. It was a great writing.
Jennifer Lee Nov 13, 2009, 1:11am EST
I'm not sure what I believe, Annmarie. I think we might be reincarnated. Thank you for stopping by. I'm glad you're still here! :))
Robert - just a simple man - B. Nov 13, 2009, 1:18am EST
For the body and all the earth substances everything is reincarnated so to speak. But I think each and every soul is a one-of-a-kind, never-to-repeat. That's why a soul is so precious, I think.
Annmarie B. Nov 13, 2009, 1:34am EST
Jennifer, me too!
Linda T. Nov 13, 2009, 1:07am EST
A nice gently approach to a life process many of us are not comfortable confronting yet we can not avoid it.
Jennifer Lee Nov 13, 2009, 1:12am EST
Thank you, Linda! I've saved you recent post in my email and hope to read it this weekend.
Linda T. Nov 13, 2009, 1:15am EST
It is a very short post Jen mostly a collage of my grandsons and youngest daughter in their Halloween costumes. The loves of my life.
Jennifer Lee Nov 13, 2009, 1:20am EST
I meant the Holiday Battle post. I just looked and commented on the one you mention above. How are you?
Linda T. Nov 13, 2009, 1:30am EST
Same old stuff here Jen. The holiday battle was actually inspired by a battle that took place last week during my 2nd daughter's birthday party. I love my children but they really need to grow up! Read it when you can. Are you still dealing with writer's block? You do not post too often anymore.
Jennifer Lee Nov 13, 2009, 1:36am EST
Yes, it took me two days to write this one. Unless I write a love poem, I have nothing to say and I think most people are tired of reading them from me all the time.
Linda T. Nov 13, 2009, 1:47am EST
I will be the first to admit that love poetry can get sappy but yours are usually not sickeningly sweet. They are loving and peaceful and anyone who has gotten to know you a bit can only be delighted by them because we know how well you deserve these happy feelings.
Jennifer Lee Nov 13, 2009, 1:59am EST
Thank you, my dear friend!
William Dotani Nov 13, 2009, 2:01am EST
Rather gloomy.
This is free verse which is totally outside my literary knowledge.
Jennifer Lee Nov 13, 2009, 9:25am EST
Oh Bill, I don't think there's anything outside of your literary knowledge. All I write is free verse. Thank you for reading.
William Dotani Nov 13, 2009, 11:05am EST
I have never taken a class on poetry and my thoughts are what I believe. Most verse, even free verse, has an identifiable rhythm. I could not find a rhythm point in this verse. I have heard some discussion that rhythmic points are not necessary in free verse. I do not know. I will go read my Dr. Suess now.
Kathryn E. Nov 13, 2009, 5:47am EST
Since I've had a sore throat and a flu this week, not serious and not that severe, really mild, actually, but I have not felt so young and healthy and it has distressed me, and I've felt so much older, a not very happy thought.

I do think, having crossed over once and came back, that it is all peace and happiness on the other side. We don't have to worry about how we will feel, we will feel happy. It is those left behind who are not happy...



Featured in the Triple Name Club.
Jennifer Lee Nov 13, 2009, 9:27am EST
Are you saying that you've had a near death experience, Kathryn? Please share with me/us, if you're comfortable. I dread my upcoming birthday and have had some pain along with a cold this week. Thank you for the honor.
JOHN BECK Nov 13, 2009, 6:13am EST
The poem is excellent, Jennifer, and shows maturity as a poet. The content, as others have mentioned, is rather gloomy and pessimistic and to me reflects the fear of aging which haunts some in early adulthood. I'm at an age where we can laugh at our squeaky hinges and smile at the youthfulness which we are able to retain.
Jennifer Lee Nov 13, 2009, 9:31am EST
Thank you, John! I'm thrilled that you like it because I spent two nights working on it and revised several times. I'm sure that my feelings are quite normal just before a 40th birthday.
JOHN BECK Nov 13, 2009, 9:56am EST
Jennifer, 40 came and went and I found it to be no big deal. I's fun to joke about it, buy you'll always be the vibrant, sensitive, deep and caring person that you are as a "thirty-something". And some of my female classmates are more beautiful now than they were as teens!
William Dotani Nov 13, 2009, 11:07am EST
John must be teasing. City records show he is 39. He probably dyes his beard to look older.
Jennifer Lee Nov 13, 2009, 7:52pm EST
Thank you again, John and I think Bill is right!
Elizabeth R. Nov 13, 2009, 7:19am EST
Certainly thought provoking and a bit grim. Still beautifully written.
Jennifer Lee Nov 13, 2009, 9:32am EST
Thank you for your faithful readership, Elizabeth! Have a good weekend!
Elizabeth R. Nov 13, 2009, 3:30pm EST
You are most welcome, Jennifer. Wishing you a wonderful weekend.
david f. Nov 13, 2009, 7:39am EST
your words find the beauty even in sadness.
Jennifer Lee Nov 13, 2009, 9:32am EST
Thank you, David! I appreciate your support.
Dr. Ashok Saxena Nov 13, 2009, 9:48am EST
With every poem ur maurity is increasing and gradually u will evvolve ur own style . My best wishes and blessings
Jennifer Lee Nov 13, 2009, 7:53pm EST
I hope that I've already developed a style of my own. Thank you much, Doc!
Sue Lee Nov 13, 2009, 10:04am EST
I agree with John, aging is more frightening as we face it than as we go through it. 40 turned out to be not big deal in the reality, just in the anticipation. 50 was pretty much the same, although physically I am not as robust. But I have rediscovered myself in my fifties and I like it! I am older with the sags and lines that experience brings - but still, life is exciting and new every day!! Enjoy!
Jennifer Lee Nov 13, 2009, 7:54pm EST
I feel like a bottle of wine, Sue! I get better with age. Thank you for reading and commenting. I appreciate it.
Ann M. (Site Scryer) Nov 13, 2009, 10:50am EST
I love the image of seeking eternal youth by curling up inside a flower bud. Thanks for sharing with The Surreal Circus.
William Dotani Nov 13, 2009, 11:08am EST
I agree. This is a wonderful image.
JustMe ~I'm happy to be~ Nov 13, 2009, 3:43pm EST
Although this is a sad write, I agree with Ann's comment.

This felt straight from your heart, Jennifer.
Jennifer Lee Nov 13, 2009, 7:54pm EST
Thank you, Ann, Bill and Just Me! I truly value each and every one of your opinions.
Peter Joseph Swanson Nov 13, 2009, 11:08am EST
glamorously gloomy
Jennifer Lee Nov 13, 2009, 7:55pm EST
Thanks, Peter! I'm glad you stopped by!
KittyMommy2u W. Nov 13, 2009, 11:11am EST
Very well written. Very thought provoking.
Jennifer Lee Nov 13, 2009, 7:55pm EST
Thank you, KittyMommy! Nice to see you!
though somber it is replete with petals of exquisite imagery~
Jennifer Lee Nov 13, 2009, 7:56pm EST
Thank you, Queen Kitten! I treasure your comments.
Thanks for posting to GutterGirls~
Kushal Poddar Nov 13, 2009, 11:16am EST
It has a sigh swirling through these words. But it is good one.

lunch hour on the 30th
Jennifer Lee Nov 13, 2009, 7:56pm EST
Thank you, Kushal! I'm grateful for your visit and comment.
Stacey *Mamasaid* D. Nov 13, 2009, 1:00pm EST
I love the visual of curling up like a rosebud...still young and fresh but feeling age as it descends. Excellent write!
Jennifer Lee Nov 13, 2009, 7:57pm EST
Thank you, Stacey! That means a lot coming from a poetess like yourself.
Kelly Kay Nov 13, 2009, 1:02pm EST
Jennifer you have the talent to free write about even darker subjects and make them realistic without being macabre.
Jennifer Lee Nov 13, 2009, 7:57pm EST
I'm so glad you feel that way, Kelly and I appreciate your comment.
James Ciriaco Nov 13, 2009, 3:06pm EST
The poem really begins with, "I wish to curl up like a rose bud." We can't reverse the bloom, alas; we must accept and enjoy the flower. I quite like, "A glimpse at my skeleton in the clouds," which-- by mingling mortality and natural beauty-- seems to move towards the acceptance that previous lines would deny. This is one of your better poems, Jennifer.
Jennifer Lee Nov 13, 2009, 8:00pm EST
Thank you, James. When I enter this into a permanent place, I'll eliminate the first few lines. I was out walking my dogs last night and actually looked up at the clouds and saw a skeleton mirage. It was cool, but weird since I'd already been working on a poem about getting old. Your critical eye is very valuable to me. You're a brilliant poet and I wish I could read more of your writing.
Georgiana S. Nov 13, 2009, 7:12pm EST
You are younger than I Jenn and this old girl ain't done yet! LOL
lovely yearning words.
Jennifer Lee Nov 13, 2009, 8:01pm EST
I'm not done yet either, my friend. Unfortunately, I just feel the aches more lately. Thank you for reading, hun!
Georgiana S. Nov 13, 2009, 8:34pm EST
It is the change in weather, I have had arthritis since my forties and if not for anti-inflammatories and pot I would stay in bed!
Lewis (taking over Gather) K. Nov 13, 2009, 8:18pm EST
Thought of mortality are keenly reflected in this piece. I don't think anyone enjoys aging, unless of course it is the knowlege we gain as the years go by. Great writing, Jen. It's good to switch things up now and then.
Jennifer Lee Nov 13, 2009, 8:30pm EST
Hi Lewis! I was just about to ping you because I haven't seen you around much. I have to get to your latest Gathertown post this weekend. Thank you for reading and supporting me. It means a great deal. :))
Katharyne T. Nov 13, 2009, 10:18pm EST
beautiful and deep.. I look at death as another step in our souls journey
Jennifer Lee Nov 13, 2009, 11:30pm EST
Thank you, Katharyne! I agree with you completely.
Nancy Silveria Nov 13, 2009, 10:24pm EST
Quite excellent, Jen. You have mastered the art of not using any unnecessary words with this one. It's clear, specifically detailed, and poignant in it's universal experience of mortality. hugs
Jennifer Lee Nov 13, 2009, 11:30pm EST
You are too kind, my dear! Happy weekend! Hugs
Nancy Silveria Nov 13, 2009, 11:37pm EST
Kindness has nothing to do with it. You have grown as a writer, girlfriend. Guess you are gonna have to learn how to sit back, relax, and take a compliment. Have a great weekend, too. hugs
Allen H. Nov 14, 2009, 3:50am EST
Like a good wine you're better as you get older
Rosebud is analogy for baby, but be bolder
You cannot have on Earth eternal youth
In a decade, you'll be 50 is the truth

Life you say is like ephemeral rose
that opens, blossoms as it grows
then blows apart down falls its petal
Death comes soon - we are not metal

But you're not old, you're only forty
these days that's the decade to be naughty
enjoy your youth; your forties will be nifty
You'll still look young when you are fifty!
Jennifer Lee Nov 14, 2009, 11:09am EST
One of my favorite things about gather is the spontaneous poetry we often share here. Thank you so much, Allen! That was sweet and lovely.
Sharon P. Nov 14, 2009, 3:11pm EST
I agree, that's lovely Allen.
Allen H. Nov 15, 2009, 4:53am EST
Girls I'm glad you liked my prose
I was taken by your poem's rose
and perhaps I envy you
scared of 40? - I'm 52!

But I will roll on like a river
unless I'm let down by my liver
I'll be spry and hale at seventy
and be active among the cognoscenti
Jennifer Lee Nov 15, 2009, 3:21pm EST
Yay, another one! That's great. Thank you, Allen!
Sharon P. Nov 14, 2009, 3:10pm EST
In the fields of Light there is no pain
We take flight just like in dreams
The transition take but a moment of eternity
Then we are forever young again

In The Lord's embrace we dance
We sing of joy and wonder
As we fly free among the stars and worlds
Happy children once again
Jennifer Lee Nov 14, 2009, 6:25pm EST
Now death doesn't seem as scary. May I keep this, Sharon? Thank you! :))
Sharon P. Nov 14, 2009, 7:30pm EST
Certainly. I grateful you enjoy it.
Beth G. Nov 14, 2009, 8:03pm EST
This was wonderful Jen! Then again, I really enjoy all of your poems!
Jennifer Lee Nov 15, 2009, 2:20pm EST
Thank you, Beth! I appreciate your loyal readership and all the features.
René Allen Nov 15, 2009, 11:55am EST
Jennifer ~ This, as all of your poetics ~ is very well written. Thank you for sharing this poetic piece on such an important topic.

This is CURRENTLY FEATURED in Artistic Minds®.

Your Friend ~ René
Jennifer Lee Nov 15, 2009, 2:21pm EST
Thank you for the honor, Rene! I'm grateful for your continued support.
You did a great job gazing into the mortality of humankind.
Jennifer Lee Nov 15, 2009, 3:21pm EST
Thank you, Renda! Always great to hear from you. Wish we could kayak together!
You're welcome. I haven't been able to catch up here and have missed many things my connections have posted, so if I missed something you want me to see....private message me.
A kayaking trip would be fun and I really need to do some more before it gets too cold! Hope your day is going well.
Jennifer Lee Nov 15, 2009, 4:32pm EST
I know what you mean. I have been sick and working for the last two months. I feel guilty for posting when I can't keep up with my group or friends' posts.
Barbary Chaapel Nov 16, 2009, 9:01pm EST

Good poems come from age-related depression. Write, write, write.
Turn the corner - happiness again - just like that! The magic of imagination.
Jennifer Lee Nov 17, 2009, 12:28am EST
Good point and I adore your comment. It's true! Thank you, Barbary.

Join the Conversation
Chime in! Become a Gather member to comment.
Already a member? Sign in
top
 
Gather | Friends | Groups | Share
About Gather | Engagement Marketing | Make New Friends | Gather Points | Advertise on Gather | Gather Press | Privacy | Terms of Service | Community Guidelines
Books | Celebs | Entertainment | Family | Food | Health | Moms | Money | News | Politics | Spirituality | Sports | Travel | Writing
Version 16961, "Pacino"; Copyright © 2009 Gather Inc. All rights reserved.