Oh no…be afraid…right?? How would you finish that title? Actually, the rest of the title to this poem is “I’m going to wear purple” . I became familiar with this fun poem many years ago and loved it, and have admittedly been gravitating toward wearing and enjoying purple more and more as the years go As for the red hat, well, I’m not really into hats so much since I retired from the Air Force…but if I wore one it would definitely be red. So, one could say I’ve been practicing at being this special woman for quite some time now…and in actuality, I should be darn good at it by now.
As we contemplate the beginning of a new year, it felt like sharing this fun poem by Jenny Joseph could prove entertaining as well as enlightening for us all. The “Warning” by this English poet (born May 7, 1932 in Birmingham) is a poem that speaks to each of us, male or female, encouraging our unique qualities and to be who we truly have been born to be. In a humorous, tongue-in-cheek and fun way, Jenny Joseph conveys a serious message for us all, to never take ourselves too seriously or lose the twinkle in our eyes.
Age, after all, truly is only a number. Contrary to earlier suggestions in my youth to the opposite — “Act your shoe size, not your age!” It’s a lot more fun.
When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
With a red hat which doesn’t go, and doesn’t suit me.
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandals, and say we’ve no money for butter.
I shall sit down on the pavement when I’m tired
And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells
And run my stick along the public railings
And make up for the sobriety of my youth.
I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
And pick flowers in other people’s gardens
And learn to spit.
You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat
And eat three pounds of sausages at a go
Or only bread and pickle for a week
And hoard pens and pencils and beer mats and things in boxes.
But now we must have clothes that keep us dry
And pay our rent and not swear in the street
And set a good example for the children.
We must have friends for dinner and read the papers.
But maybe I ought to practice a little now?
So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised
When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.
The holidays have (finally) come to an end, which means another year is closing and a new one is beginning. It’s about that time where many of us reflect on the past year and start thinking of what we would like to accomplish this coming year.
One great way to get ourselves motivated for a Happy New Year, especially when things have been as tough as they’ve been worldwide in a year like 2023, is by reading and sharing some inspirational quotes we find.
The most inspiring Happy New Year quotes and wishes are those that remind us that no matter how hard things may be and no matter how much we’ve lost, the universe is constantly surrounding us with opportunities to grow, create, love, cherish and heal.
We cannot wipe the slate clean before 2024 begins. What we can do is look at the events of the past year, as lessons and opportunities to do and be better as individuals and as a human collective.
Always remember, Warriors…no matter what our age… one very small act of kindness can change someone’s whole day or life around. Be the reason someone smiles today! And wear your purple proudly.
Spiritual Meditation: Live gently upon this earth. – Daily Medicine