Since I've grown old my belly pops out <br />though I don't care <br />and find comfort in its wobbling. <br /> <br />Since I've grown old my body aches <br />in places that I never knew I had! <br />At least I know I'm alive, the pain reminds me. <br /> <br />To moan and be out spoken’s what I fancy <br />and I am _ to annoy my children, <br />grandchildren and some. <br /> <br />What good is it to be old and silent, <br />to sit in a chair, rocking to and fro <br />without a gripe or a fart or both! <br /> <br />No, I like to let the world know I'm here, <br />and after all these years of staying quiet, <br />to argue my point a little and snarl. <br /> <br />Since I've grown old my skin has creases <br />where there used to be bloom and colour <br />and young men complimented me. <br /> <br />Seems like only yesterday I let my babies, <br />suckle from my tiny breasts <br />that are huge now they're of no use. <br /> <br />Men stare when I sunbathe on the beach <br />with a newspaper over my head <br />and a flask of Earl Grey tea <br /> <br />so I cackle and crow and swear at them, <br />throw my stick at them and tell them to <br />behave ____ for now I am old.<br /><br />Ruth Walters<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/since-i-ve-grown-old/
