A REAL GOOD LAUGH

I'm sure I don't have to tell you that sometimes life can leave you depressed but I maintain that in many cases it's best to laugh instead.  I'd have to say that for me that's especially true about what I describe as the ravages of time.  C'mon, isn't it comical what time has done to our bodies?

Now I know there are some folks who have exercised regularly and have eaten right their entire lives but that, I confess, has not been me. Consequently, I consider myself a prime example of the effect on a body that has sustained those ravages .  But don't get me wrong, this is not true confessions nor a sad little tale of poor me.  Rather it's a comical look at how gravity changes us physically, along with my philosophy which is that it's always better to laugh than to cry.

For those of you who have the battle of the bulge conquered well...this is not for you.  It may be, however, a means by which you can see what the rest of us are going through even if you can't identify with it.

Regardless of how this issue effects you personally, I think you will get a good laugh out of this one, at least that's my hope.

DING DONG THE WITCH IS DEAD

By Patty Lynn

When I disrobe to take a shower

I typically won’t peek…

At my reflection in the mirror,

There’s nothing there I seek.

I’d like to say I celebrate

My naked body there,

But truth be told, as I grow old,

Can’t bring myself to stare.

But if I do, why, I’m transfixed,

I just can’t look away.

I can’t believe what time can do.

We’re changing every day.

It really doesn’t matter though,

That’s me that’s looking back.

No more do I define myself

By all the things I lack.

And so I look objectively

At sagging-ness of face.

There are no “apples” on my cheeks,

With bones, they’ve been replaced.

And with that comes some jowls, oh joy,

That hang below those cheeks,

A chicken neck and drooping breasts

That once were perky peaks.

I could go on but, “Why?” I ask,

The rest is much the same.

I smile at what occurs to me,

(I know that time’s to blame.)

But what I see reminds me of

A quote that’s from a movie.

And when I tell you, you will laugh.

It really is a doozy.

Remember in the Wiz of Oz

How the witch came to an end

When Dorothy poured some water on…

The witch’s ugly head?

That came to mind as I stood there

With drooping...everything,

Held back a laugh, and said out loud,

"My goodness, me, I'm melting!"

THE NEW YEAR

I've been working on this poem for sometime but tonight I finally finished and it's ready to share.  I'm still trying to remember that I now have to write 2015 not 2014.

I guess you could say I've been in a contemplative mood, anticipating a new year, new beginnings and, in all honesty, used this poem as a forum for my concerns with the effect technology is having on our families, especially our kids.  I'm sure you'll know what I mean when you read this.

Also, I haven't been doing much in the way of  writing poetry and I'm not sure why, but perhaps this will start my wheels turning again.  I've been thinking about doing another book so I guess I better get on the stick.  But I digress...

IT’S UP TO YOU

The holidays are over.

A new year has begun.

We made so many memories,

With families had fun.

But now it’s time to think ahead

And contemplate tomorrow.

Will this year be the best one yet,

More happiness than sorrow?

It’s up to you to choose to be

A person God is proud of,

Whose true devotion never wanes?

With faith that’s strong, not sort of.

But, as they say, “Life happens”

And sometimes God’s put last.

Our days become so busy.

And go by awfully fast.

We often make excuses

For prayers that don’t get said,

“We’re just too tired for things like that

Before we go to bed.”

And, “Mealtime is so rushed for us.

No time to eat and talk.”

And if you make your kids sit still,

You know they’ll surely balk.

For in their eyes the Iphone’s it.

Besides they’d rather text …

With all their friends, not family.

They’ve got to know what’s next.

So step up, parents, take a stand,                                                     .

Don’t worry if they fret.

If you don’t put an end to this

You’ll be full of regret.

Not only will you lose your kids

To techno this or that,

You’ll find they’ve lost respect for you

And that’s hard to combat.

So set your sights on making this,

Your very best beginning,

A new year where you come to God

And ask for help in living…

The kind of life that puts God first,

That leads by an example,

That shows your kids God’s love through you;

His portion’s always ample.

Remember that you’re meant to be

A parent not a friend…

That guides with loving discipline.

They'll know they can depend…

On you no matter what they face

And you can bet they’ll test

But what they’ll find are parents who

Are heads above the rest.

I’ll say again, it’s up to you.

This new year’s a blank slate.

Remember, make the most of it.

Don’t leave it up to fate.