Challenging Poetry

middle ages

I'm not quite old enough
to retire to a tower
by the sea and keep
seventeen cats and
cut my hair short and
dye it blue. Nor am I
quite young enough
(not anymore)
to wear long boots
and short shorts and
hair straight and long
enough to tuck in.

No, I'm in that in-between
age. My friends are
bridging the gap between
parent and grandparent
while I am alone and
I work hard and sleep
less and wear sensible shoes
on aching feet and hide
my colorful socks
under dress slacks that scream
competence and maturity,
while my hair remains mid-length
with untamed curls.

April 19—acting your age (or not!)