Crepe paper streamers,
I used to string them
for birthday celebrations.
Now I have crepey skin.
Shiney brunette hair
blow-dried just so.
Now grey, held back with barrettes,
away from eyes with sagging lids.
I used to chase little ones
in games of duck-duck-goose,
hike glaciers
and dance till dawn.
Morphed by scores of years,
still I smile.
Time slows my pace,
cherished memories accrue.
I occasionally put on hiking boots,
they just don’t trek as far.
And I do dance,
but not nearly as late.
Most importantly, still I love.
More deeply,
more completely
with every passing day.
Written for dVerse, the virtual pub for poets around the globe. Today Dora asks us to write a “despite and still” poem. Photo taken two weeks ago on the heliport of Celebrity’s Constellation during our 24 night back-to-back cruises, including a TransAtlantic from Barcelona to Tampa, Florida. Thankful for every day.
lillian the home poet 
Lill, all I can saw is WOW. You certainly put into a few words what time does to us, but yes, love remains.
Joyce
LikeLike
Thank you, Joyce. Finished putting up our tree today….the ornament from you of the kid with the snowsuit so puffy he has his arms straight out always makes me smile and think of you!
LikeLike
Endearing in every way. I think the passage of time either weakens us or strengthens us, despite weathering. Your resilience shines through your words. One of my favorite verses: “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love”.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I also love that verse…..it was read at our wedding almost 55 years ago!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🥰
LikeLike
A poem leading down a lonely road till that last, lovely stanza….very nicely done.
LikeLike
Thank you! Hope to see you at our LIVE session on Saturday?
LikeLike
ah the last verse is my favourite
Much❤️💚love
LikeLike
Thank you, Gillena! So glad you’ll be at our Saturday LIVE session!
LikeLike
The imagery, so apt, bring memories alive with happiness tinged with wistfulness, sets up the conclusion so effectively. That crepe paper analogy is brilliant, Lillian, one I can identify with (alas!).
LikeLike
Glad you enjoyed, Dora. Yes, I used to look at my mother’s crepey skin and think, eeegads that is weird!!!! And now I have it! Hope to see you at Saturday’s LIVE session!
LikeLike
I LOVE the Still I Love poem. It strikes very familiar notes!You two look fantastic!Sent from my iPhone
LikeLike
Glad you enjoyed, Nan!
LikeLike
Still I love, more deeply, more completely, every passing day. I feel this too as I age despite everything. Beautifully written.
LikeLike
Thank you so much!
LikeLike
I am moved by the last stanza – Still I love….love is the greatest gift of life
LikeLike
the greatest gift of life….love….amen to that!
LikeLike
Your poem is filled with so much honesty and love, Lill, it made me smile and cry at the same time. We are all ageing, but we have the capacity to love until the end. I love these lines – they are so you:
‘I occasionally put on hiking boots,
they just don’t trek as far.
And I do dance,
but not nearly as late.’
LikeLike
Thank you, Kim. Isn’t it amazing how strong friendships can form through the pub?
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a great place to make friends.
LikeLike
This is such a beautiful expression of life’s journey and in the end what remains is Love!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Dwight. Yes….we are so very fortunate when love remains…thankful for every day. Hope to see you Saturday at our LIVE session!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are welcome, Lillian. I plan to be there…(if I don’t get distracted and forget!!)
LikeLike
There are still so many things to enjoy (and dancing late in the night I have given up a long time ago)
LikeLike
Sometimes the best dancing can be spur of the moment right in our living room or kitchen!
LikeLike
Aww! So beautifully expressed, Lillian. Love it.
LikeLike
So glad you enjoyed!
LikeLiked by 1 person
If the love remains, your life is successful. Lovely!
LikeLike
Amen to that!
LikeLike
A beautiful write, Lillian 🥰 ♥️
LikeLike
Many thanks!
LikeLike