What do you think of The Refusal?

Question

The Refusal


As I took my shower
beads of water clung to my body
as I clung to the freshness of my youth

I would continue to play ball with my youth
and my youth would catch the ball, not drop it
No decay, decadence or “Death in Venice” for me

As I refused to see my physical decline
I continued to admire my body
Remembering the lovers lusting for my body
and insisting on calling it beautiful and young
And even if sometimes I see blue pop-up veins,
I will still see my small, firm, white, round breasts

When I look at my face
and feel continually surprised
at another mark of age
But then I am surprised again
when suddenly my hair waves and curls
as it also refuses to acknowledge aging
I survey my face again
and despite the bags,
the blueness of my eyes live

I told my friend the other day
I have to work on my inner beauty
and accept aging
Is it so simple
as when we say pretend to be happy
and then suddenly the true emotion,
the real happiness is yours

I always thought appearance was the most superficial aspect of a person
Then why now do I feel the men my age or older are not worthy of me
These broken down men with their pot bellies, bald heads, tired worn out faces
with the smell of hospital death surrounding them
These men are not my peers
Instead the young men engage me with their beauty and life force

Perhaps, my friend will say to me, even now,
why do you dispute and rebel the inevitable
You must face your age and your death
with equanimity, calmly, nobly
I will answer 
that’s good for you
you calm, serene, clear soul
I have another soul
and this soul
tells me to remain a child

Miz D · Accepted Answer

There was a lot of truth in the poem.  I am much like the friend who has accepted the inevitable aging process.  It does give me more understanding of women who fight aging so desperately.  I had often wondered who they were trying to fool.  My thoughts will be a little kinder now, thanks to The Refusal.  

Thank you for sharing it.

youngquist · Answer

it relatively is seen a criminal offense of ethical turpitude and that i've got faith that should certainly negatively influence a citizenship utility. This government does not like this from its modern-day electorate. Why might you refuse to take a breathalizer? in basic terms via refusing you will detention center. in case you weren't, i'm very shocked via this. Edited to function: in case you do not provide finished tips don't be shocked in case you are not getting an reported answer. And... attempt to not bounce down the throats of persons attempting to show you how to. this is impolite.

Cheryl P · Answer

I also seem to be uncomfortable with that sixth verse.  I have to say, I find the men my age and older quite attractive, more gentlemanly, and settled.  But overall, it is pretty good.

And that is my honest opinion.  I don't think you want me to sugarcoat it, right?  But, in the end, it is the artist's opinion that matters, and no one elses, so I am going to say--I like your poem, and would read it and enjoy it if it were, say, in a magazine or something.  If you are asking if I would write it that way, then, no, I would not.

Pooky · Answer

I think I could find a kinder, gentler way to speak of the opposite sex. So to me it just the same old male bashing...heard it all before... by the way just for your info I weigh 230lbs. 6' 2" 62 years can run 2 miles in 24 minutes can you? Semper fi baby.

topaz · Answer

i began enjoying and relating to your poem until i read your 6th verse which sadly got to me in a personal and emotional way,so for me,sadly, this one verse is so, so wrong.

ROXY · Answer

i think most of us struggle with the aging process ,it all happens to soon , to quick to ....irreversible ...

kayboff · Answer

You Go Girl! If refusing, is your way of coping, then more power to you!

Melissa R · Answer

Very inspiring.......I think most of us could relate to that.....Your a very wise woman......

thanks for sharing.......

Diana · Answer

I loved that!  It's pretty much what I try to tell myself every day  with not so much of the wisdom.   Thanks for posting.

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What do you think of The Refusal?

9 Answers