Poem: Appearance Doesn't Matter Any More

Appearance Doesn't Matter Any More

I knew I was good-looking
as a young boy blond and lean.
Combed my hair back to a duck tail
Stretched my height out as a teen.

Sex appeal was so important
As a college young adult.
Some outstanding wedding photos
Display the superb result.

Obligations soon took over
I gladly became a dad.
I learned children prefer play time
To good looks I thought I had.

Nonetheless employed by others
I made sure that I looked smart.
Yet mirrors gradually told me
Signs of ageing had a start.

Kids grew up and career moved on
Thinning hair, a few pounds more.
Arrest the pace, start the program
Trim the fat, strengthen the core.

I did all that for many years
Now experience lets me say
I'm genetically compromised
My dad had a part to play.

So here I lie beside my wife
And she sees someone other
Than the young man that she married
She likely sees my brother.

He too has realized the truth
Nature's laws will never bend.
Plastic surgery and workouts
Can't reverse this trend.

I have coffee with my friends now
Talk comes easily and free
Guards are down and we are honest
They all seem to look like me.

© Ron Unruh, November 2017

Alive at 75

I feel great. 75. But aware. Life expectancy? males 79 & females 84 in Canada. At birth in 1942 expectation was 68 yrs. I'm already ahead. Canada is good to me. In 1 wk I will help build a house for someone via Habitat for Humanity. Dad b.1915 died at 93. Wow. Can't afford that.

SOLITUDE IS ILLUSIVE UNLESS YOU PLAN FOR IT

(written Mar 27, 2013) "I think of my own changing life situation. My career was in service to people and privacy was something I carved out within a socially demanding calendar. I treasured solitude. My home and yard activities were a retreat from my office and appointments. Occasionally scheduled days at a lodge, away from routines replenished my personal supplies to re-enter my social commitments. Retired now for four years, and having sold my home to enter the downsized world of strata living, compels me to learn new ways, both to cope with a high density of neighbours and eager eyes and to generate solitude which my temperament and interests require.” (now, 9 yrs into retirement, good neighbouring, painting, writing, golf marshalling, volunteering.)