WARNING

Warning
by Jenny Joseph

When I am an old women 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 flowers in other people's 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 beer mats 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.

Jenny Joseph

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I'm reminded of this poem today as tomorrow is the 28th anniversary of my 25th birthday. I'm trying to stay positive about it, but finding it difficult. I'm the kind of person who never truly grew up, I've always loved celebrating my birthday, the balloons, the streamers, the bouquets of flowers, beautiful cards from loving family and friends, and especially the cake and ice cream! I don't expect much of anything this year, money is just so tight, and we have to save every penny we can. My beloved quit celebrating his birthday years ago, and maybe it's time that I grow up and do the same.

I'm digging out my red hat and my white sandals just the same!

Wishing you all the best!