I shall wear purple

[Guest]

totally non erotic, but was thrown to us students back in the days when poetry was more than what could be found adorned on the toilet walls and I cant find it anywhere now, so I thought I'd ask in here.....

I've no idea exactly what it's title is or who wrote it, I was too busy having a crush on Jon Berry at the time to notice much of what our english teacher was saying, but it suddenly came into my head whilst the family were discussing my nan's memorial service......

it went along the lines of "when I am old, I shall wear purple" and from what memory serves (it was over 15 yrs ago now) it was about a woman kicking back against society norms of old age and just seems apt to my present moment in time

so if anyone has a clue what I am talking about or has an idea of where I can find it I would be truly very grateful.

thanks in advance.

 

[Slinky'sWench]

When I am an old woman, I shall wear purple

with a red hat that doesn't go, and doesn't suit me.

And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves,

and satin candles, and say we've no money for butter.

I shall sit down on the pavement when I am 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 the 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 pickles for a week

and hoard pens and pencils and beer nuts 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 to 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 copy I found is by Jenny Joseph, hope this is what you seek.

 

[KatPurrs]

Unregistered/Slinky's Wench

Unreg., I'm glad you asked.

SW, I'm glad you found it. Thanks for posting it.

I've always loved that poem. Of course, I stand here before you in purple, a scotch in hand, noticing wrinkles and gray hairs, getting ready to go out in the rain, slippers be damned, anxious for spring and flowers to pick.

KatPurrs~

 

[stargirl32]

when i read this poem a few months ago it got me thinking about what i would be like when i got old .. tell me what you think ,,, honestly
Inspired by jenny Joseph
"When I am old I shall were 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.."


Now I'm old and gone grey
A lively old dear my kids all say
But underneath this wrinkled facade
There beats a heart of steel that's hard
To celebrate my sixty fifth
I bungie jumped, drank absinthe
Bought ticket's to see slip knot
A grung metal band that totally rock


I've had my nipples pierced right through
Applied a complicated snake tattoo
Tried racing bikes and motor cars
Traded places with a movie star
Now that my life is halfway done
I've decided now was the time for fun
Before I'm dead and buried deep
I've promises to my self to keep

As a teen I lived a life of sobriety
Went to bed early , nightly
I'm sure that's what made me live this long
Or at least made it seem like it goes on 'n on
So NOW's the time for those designer drugs
Not staying at home knitting, making rugs
I stayed at home as a girl and I must confess
I cant but help think it was a load of rubbish

 

[JUDO]

Your Paisley Fear

by Judo©

When I was young and before I grew,
"Too small!" was what I heard.
All flushed and faint I hated who
Regarded me thus absurd.

As years flew by and ego grew,
A trip was had by all.
But selfish took my wisdom's view
And crashing shook my fall.

Like Phoenix burned and ashes blown,
Life granted 'nother turn
For me to find the balance zone
And avoid a second burn.

The path before me beckoned clear,
"Take care with steps you take.
The right is straight, you cannot veer
The left is yours to make."

I followed right, the crowd estranged
Around me grew and grew.
An inner flame spoke soft, deranged,
"Hey baby, who are you?"

In closet open, I pulled new skins,
Their colors alight with hue.
A hat with wings, a bodice that sins,
I'd turn a head or two.

As I've grown old and full of wit,
I flaunt the loud and cheer,
"Cast off your gray and boorish bit.
Embrace your paisley fear!"

 

[JUDO]

Thanks and Posted

Thanks for posting this poem. It was my first poetic inspiration in days!

The resulting Your Paisley Fear is now posted and waiting for your judgement. Please vote!

Funny, I picture possibly a string of poems on the subject of growing old in midst of rebellion against this world that tells us what we can and can't do. Like Dylan Thomas railing against the darkness.

Are you with me? Fire a shot over their bow!


- Judo