Thursday 11 December 2008

WHEN I AM AN OLD WOMAN I SHALL WEAR PURPLE

My 15-year old grandson came across this poem on internet and said it’s me. I am extremely flattered and love him so much for recognising the rebel within. Rock on Ali, the rest of the world may not understand us, but at least we understand one another!

WARNING!

When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
With a red hat which doesn't go, and doesn't suit me.
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandals, and say we've no money for butter.

I shall sit down on the pavement when I'm tired
And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells
And run my stick along the public railings
And make up for the sobriety of my youth.
I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
And pick the flowers in other peoples' gardens
And learn to spit.

You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat
And eat three pounds of sausages at a go
Or only bread and pickles for a week
And hoard pens and pencils and beermats and things in boxes.
But now we must have clothes that keep us dry
And pay our rent and not swear in the street
And set a good example for the children.
We must have friends to dinner and read the papers.
But maybe I ought to practice a little now?
So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised
When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.by Jenny Joseph

16 comments:

Stinking Billy said...

crazy, it is a bit special, isn't it? Mrs Billy likes it, as do most women from what I can gather. It created quite a stirwhen first published in 1981 (I think) in the USA and then around the world.

As a matter of fact it did the rounds among our lot a few short weeks ago, but it is always worth another look, any day of the week! x

Unknown said...

oh, what a lovely thing for him to say!

I've always loved this poem...

Strawberry Jam Anne said...

How wonderful that your grandson thought of you when he discovered this poem RAC - think it shows his affection for you.

I first heard it a few years ago and have read it a few times since. Definitely special. From reading your blog I think you grandson has "hit the nail on the head".

A x

Maggie May said...

It is one of my favourite poems and I think I am a bit like that too.
Don't know about gorging all that butter though and the sausages are not for me!
I've always liked purple even when I was young so maybe I am a hopeless rebel too.

ADDY said...

I had not heard/seen this poem before but liked it very much. I wear purple now, though. What does that say about me?

DogLover said...

Brilliant!

But I'm confused. I think of you as a slim 19-year old cowgirl!

Anonymous said...

Loved this. I think I should do the same, but isn't Doglover right? Do cowgirls wear purple?
Flagmaker

Anonymous said...

I loved that poem when I first heard it, and still love it!

I'm already practising. How about you? ;)

www.retiredandcrazy.com said...

When my grandson mentioned it it was vaguely familiar. What knocked me out though Billy was that he recognised it as being me!

www.retiredandcrazy.com said...

It was great wasn't it Sarah.

www.retiredandcrazy.com said...

You've got me in one Anne.

www.retiredandcrazy.com said...

Maggie, I would say that you are a rebel for sure!

www.retiredandcrazy.com said...

It says lound a clear "join the club" Rosiero.

www.retiredandcrazy.com said...

DogLover you know full well that I AM a 19 year old cowgirl, but this other person lurks inside.

www.retiredandcrazy.com said...

This one does Flagmaker.

www.retiredandcrazy.com said...

Practicing Jay? I practically wrote the handbook!