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Being Older
I’m older
But I’m still human.
Being elderly doesn’t mean
I’m stupid
Or uneducated
Or incapable of having feelings.
I feel physical pain
Like everyone else
I’m sensitive to excessive heat
Excessive cold.
I cry real tears just like
Younger people.
I laugh too,
Just like you.
Does my age define who
Or what I am then?
It does to a certain extent-
I may move a little slower
Be less active than before.
But I still have hopes and desires too
Just like you.
I hope that my children
Will be healthy and successful
Kind and compassionate
Good to themselves and one another
Become lovers of peace and justice
I desire to be cozy and cared for
To live in harmony with everyone
Most of all, not be
Labeled as something
Inferior just because of my white hair.
I envy no one but the pious
And I bear malice towards none
Therefore, judge me not for my limitations
But admire my perseverance
To simply get
Out of bed and face each day
The best I can.
I may be older it’s true
But I’m still human
Just like you.

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The other day while waiting for the rec center to open (I swim laps), when the doors opened, one woman made me go in front of her. "Age before beauty!" Ugh. I should have retorted, "Fit before fat!" (If I'd thought of it, I might have.) Although I take meds for high bp and cholesterol, I am VERY fit for my age, normal BMI, great lung capacity, very flexible, etc. And she had a few extra pounds.
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This is beautiful. Thank you.
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Beautiful Edna.
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Edna, well written/said.   I would add that older people have faced and challenged more life, more wars, more economic disruptions, and often more serious events than younger people who think they "know it all."  

I often wonder if, when younger people are at our age, they'll be able to accept and cope with assistance in their daily lives, economic planning, or life in facilities.
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