Creative Aging

When I see the future I see myself glowing with love everflowing

like the sun setting

like the leaves blowing

I will continuingly be unfolding.

The magic of life's miracles

springing forth from me

through openness, caring and sharing.

I will be a part of God's positive plan

and meet all set backs

as a challenge and opportunity

to risk and grow and therefore flow.

I will be child like

excited with new ideas and people. Pushing aside all hates, fears, and pains. Just like the trees undress for winter

I too shall redress for better days ahead

with hope, love, forgiveness

and above all creative plan.

For these will see me through

when I am tired or blue.

I shall always live on in what I do

even when my body is through.

So I say goodby to all the fears

and hello to all the years

with such a spark

I shall truly never depart!

Photo by Janet Century

I am not the "stroke" in bed 2.

Or the "hip-replacement” in room 4,

–Jeri A. Zauder

Or the "Foley that needs changing” in 7. I am me!

I used to have responsibilities like you -

There were people dependent on me.

I was a nurse.

I raised 4 children.

I made decisions.

My body was young and beautiful -

I ran, I flew, I made love.

I climbed a mountain once and found an eagle's nest.

I have been one with the wind,

Skimming the lake in a small red sailboat.

I have lain alone on smooth grass,

Outrageous Old Woman

I want to live to be

an outrageous old woman Who is never accused of being an old lady

I want to live to have

ten thousand lovers

In one love

One 70 year long loving Love There are at least 2 of me

I want to get leaner and meaner Sharp edged

'color of the ground

Till I discorporate

from sheer joy

Seeing blue sky sparkling through the maple leaves, With sadness making pathways over my cheekbones.

I have been brave.

I have won honors. I have failed.

-Julia Koover

from Country Women Book

TEE

Photo by M. B.. Camp

Photo by Janet Century

Page 8/What She Wants/February, 1980

I have tasted filet mignon.

I have helped the sun burn a hole in a dried leaf with a magnifying glass.

I have skipped up the center of the street in a wind storm.

I have waded in warm street puddles after a quick summer rain.

I have seen geese fly.

I have skipped rocks.

I have kissed hurts away from skinned knees,

And have felt a baby's face nuzzling into my neck.

I remember the fragrance of baby powder and freshlylaundered clothes.

I have no one now who knew me then.

Please see me.

You will be old someday, too.

Then you will understand how I want you to know me. But then it will be too late.

-Ellle King

We were together-years telling with

a love tho no one bid

——

our truths.

Lifetimes — half spent before

they began

-

our silence.

←

we cried in

Time erased our youth and song, there is no going back

—

they could not hear our music then. But do not cry for me, dear friend. My voice is now and strong and countless days remain

in which to sing.

'-Terry Bullen