Even before the deaths of Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett and Ed McMahon crowded all the other events of the world off our news radar, the following poem struck a chord with me, and maybe it will do the same for you. Hope you all have an enjoyable weekend.
Not Needed
The thing about growing older
is that nobody says your name
for weeks. Nothing happens
if you don’t get out of bed, don’t
take the air, don’t shop for bread
or shoes. No one will stop to ask,
“Where is so-and-so?” or observe
footprints never left in the snow,
the snow unshoveled, the class untaught.
You are home pouring coffee,
working silently at your table,
uncubicled. You notice things.
The hydrangeas are enormous. A cobweb
hangs over the lamp. You are your own
museum piece, dusting yourself,
listening for birdsong, breath and heartbeat,
standing still enough to watch motes
loiter in a sunny window, to hear
the rain falling like a silver miracle.
Donna Pucciani
This poem could have been written about me Jorge. Excellent, tells it like is.I hope you have a relaxing weekend.
Jorge, "Not Needed" is a very good poem, a bit sad, then vivid in the experience. Touching the core of the lone moments when all is clear and dear. The last line, "to hear the rain falling like a silver miracle.", is priceless. As ever be well, Stephen Craig Rowe
Insignficance. Frightening and sadly factual. Fight it. "Do not go gentle into that good night."j
Wow !! You have left me in Aww with this one. Very Profound Great Work. !!!
There is a sad beauty to this poem, Jorge, and I suspect that it will resonate with anyone who reads it, regardless of their age.The young may read it and think, "That awaits me?" The aging may read it and think, "Yes…yes…I know this…" But the amazing thing which this poem suggests is that, as we get older, many of us are less distracted by the busy-ness around us and are able to see the odd little things of beauty within us and around us everywhere.My favorite line: "You are your own museum piece…" A museum piece is a thing of extraordinary value which is set aside for protection, a thing intended for notice, contemplation, and consideration; oftentimes we suddenly realize–sometimes out of the blue–how precious and amazing we are simply because we have lived.It is so good to see you writing again, my friend; I have missed your wisdom and good humor.Always,Marge
Oddly enough aging has weighed heavily on my mind of late. I have become a M\’am…older woman 😦 Youth and beauty are highly valued by our culture, age and wisdom are not. The human condition designs us to be needed, society often views older people as expensive and a burden. It\’s very sad. We are all important, worthy people…deserving of love and attention. Everyone has something to contribute.
Hi Jorge, the deaths of Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett shocked me. Maybe Farrah Fawcett was so ill, but Michael Jackson\’s death was a surprise completely. Sad… Those names were in the minds more than the politicians maybe. The poem by Donna Pucciani you posted is so impressive. Thanks for sharing. And have a good weekend to you and your family. Love, Zeynep xx
That was lovely. Changes come, some slowly and some faster than a blink. It is one of life\’s gifts to be able to notice those changes and find peace and beauty in them.Thanks for your last visit.Gayle
This is so sweet and wistful. Several people came to mind right away. Thank you.
I like that poem and makes me almost look forward to get old. :)Piece to all who are not with us anymore.
Oh….this poem meant something to me for reasons of my own …thank you…
strong poem..the forgotten ..i wish i could translate in dutch and send to th families of our elders in our hospital/nursing houseand maybe…things will changes.i hope u understand what im trying to say here.tx for sharing JorgeNjoy the new working weekMJ
I run the risk, at times, of becoming my own museum piece but then some motivation kicks in and off I go. I have to visit you more often. 🙂
The timing of this poem for me amazing .. it expresses a truth I had not found the words to express so eloquently.. Thank you so much for sharing it.NamasteBarb
WONDERFUL feeling to this, Jorge. You are a gift.