looked in the mirror this morning
(usually I focus a little to the side and up)
today I took inventory
what the heck happened
between 37 and 67
lines and dots mapping what
once upon a time was
uncharted territory
not to mention dandelion hair
sticking up in all directions
as though electricity
entered at my feet
zapping upward
don't comfort me with
all the nice platitudes about
wisdom - experience - beatitude
it is what it is and
I'm seeing devastation
I won't even write about the body
no use frightening
my readers
 |
| Trip to Denver Zoo with Grandchildren 1/03/12 |
Observing (perhaps too) closely for:
Ha, ha! Love the hippo illustrations. I'm not too pleased with my changes, either, but time marches one and we're pulled along with it.
ReplyDeleteLove the thoughts and images. They mimmick exactly what I see in the mirror and my thoughts almost on a daily basis. What to do. I don't know. Carol
ReplyDeleteThey say that as we age we should forget about magnifying mirrors - either real or imagined. So, please don't look so closely. Your photo here is lovely. M.
ReplyDeleteNo platitudes? Ok, honesty: I always think, as long as there's no fountain of youth, the alternative is undesirable. And anyway, would we want to be young again? I wouldn't, too hard. Good, honest stone!
ReplyDeleteI love the hippo photos! :-)
what a raw, honest stone today. this very subject has been on my mind too - I see the same things when I look in the mirror and usually try to avoid it. I'm hoping that my selfie project for the year will ease me into a comfort zone about it. but it isn't easy. this is the direction the parade is going. thanks for the reality check Barb. happy weekend to you.
ReplyDeleteThe changes are all a bit frightening -- esp around my neck, but I realize that there's only one alternative to aging! :)
ReplyDeleteLove the photos of the hippo! Ah, I'm 52 and totally sympathize!
ReplyDeleteLove the shots and how you've related them to the story. I sympathize (and can think similar things at 52)!
ReplyDeleteSeeing the hippo reminds me of my body. I avoid seeing my mirror so closely, but I don't want to lose my smiling face...at least. I can not help loving that quiet-looking hippo! He is so cute!
ReplyDeleteHappy days to you, Barb!
Tomoko
Well, I won't try to comfort you, but I will say this: I am very much hoping to grow older as gracefully and actively and inspiringly (yes, I just made that word up...) as you appear to be doing from all I've read on your blogs. xo
ReplyDeleteMaybe you're your harshest critic??? I take my glasses off when looking in the mirror, it helps me deal with the inevitable and irretrievable changes as my face slides south.
ReplyDeleteGreat how such a dino's face is structured. When I saw the first picture, I said, this time it can not be in the garden of Barb.
ReplyDeleteGreetings,
Filip
Barb -- you are too amazing for words!
ReplyDeleteYou write the truth of what many of us are seeing when we are brave enough to face a mirror these days....but I bet the way your grandkids saw your face as you were visiting the zoo with them was a totally different picture.
ReplyDeleteYou cracked me up with those last three lines. I really like the description of skin in one's 60s..."lines and dots mapping what once upon a time was uncharted territory." Very creative and wry humor!
ReplyDeleteThe hippo is cute!
ReplyDeleteOh well, we are all in the same boat. Thank goodness, we are wise and interesting!
This made me laugh Barb. I also find it a bit unnerving when I see a new line (which I have recently!) or sag!!
ReplyDeleteBut it is what it is I tell myself as I rub more Vaseline on my face! LOL!!
Love Di ♥
I love Stan Rogers' song Lies - here's the refrain
ReplyDeleteAll lies.
All those lines are telling wicked lies.
Lies all lies.
Too many lines there in that face;
Too many to erase or disguise;
They must be telling lies.
Here's the whole song http://www.stlyrics.com/songs/s/stanrogers9907/lies324737.html
I wish we women lived in a world where we were valued for our ageing. 'twouldn't be so hard to cope with then.
ReplyDeleteI love this stone :)
You captured it, the abrupt knowledge that the package is different, despite the fact that the picture from within is unchanged. The hippo images were perfect!
ReplyDeleteA blessing -dim bathroom lighting and diminishing eyesight. And this may sound strange but I think last year you wrote a small stone about your hair looking like a dandelion gone to seed--As a small stone it stuck with me. I could swear it was you... Maybe along with other failing body parts- I am making things up as well. Anyway-rejoice and be glad. xo teri
ReplyDelete