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8.3 /10
(434 votes)



  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 beermats 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.

Jenny Joseph


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Read poems about / on: purple, money, people, warning, woman, summer, children, rain, red, shopping, child, women, running, flower, friend

 
  Comments about this poem (Warning by Jenny Joseph )
Click here to write your comments about this poem (Warning by Jenny Joseph )
 
  Debby Rodrig  (6/13/2009 12:49:00 AM)

I first read this poem in Bernie Siegel's book Peace, Love & Healing in 1994 since then it has been a great inspiration to me and I pass it on to friends and family.
It can not be said more beautifuly, thank you
  nothing over  (4/27/2009 11:08:00 PM)

Great poem, check out my poems too
  Sherrie Tappenden  (4/2/2009 3:55:00 AM)

This is the poem that has the most impact on my life on a day to day basis and I solemnly swear to buy an unbecoming red hat at the next sales, (I've already got swearing and spitting down to a fine art!)
  R James Sterzinger  (2/11/2009 9:01:00 AM)

i think this is one heck of a poem. extraordinary. now that is why we write. when i am old, i want to fall in love with a woman who thinks like that. great job!
  Yoonoos Peerbocus  (1/26/2009 4:57:00 AM)

you have a knack for ideas /words all finely framed ..well done
  Mandy Bullman  (1/21/2009 1:21:00 PM)

i love it, its funny my friends would love this.it belongs on the wall witha nice frame on it.
  Rita Shay  (1/20/2009 10:09:00 PM)

I knew from the first line, that I was going to like this poem very much. I wish I knew Jenny Joseph
  palas kumar ray  (12/22/2008 7:16:00 AM)

____________________________________________________________________
Time'll change it's course in Time of it's own and we need adjust oueselves as it may come.But we must also learn to live our present and should not panic for sure distress.Only we need practice perseverance.
___________________________________________________________________
  Ronnita Couch  (11/6/2008 10:59:00 AM)

This poems was powerful enough to inspire a women to create a whole society! The read had society was created after this poem was read, classic! I love it.

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7/2/2009 10:59:05 PM . You Are Here: Warning by Jenny Joseph

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