Older body parts are the accessories for littler lives:
Older arms are the slings to be carried in;
Older legs are the stilts to stalk the earth with;
Sometimes an older hip is a convenient seat;
Older knees are to be energetic on, with the help
Of older heels and older toes, found on older feet.
An older back is to be heavy on, and is used
Like a ferry to go where crouching is necessary;
Older ears are the handles with which to guide us there.
Older belly buttons exist to be explored in by
Little mining fingers, provoking old eruptions;
Older hairs are the grasses that get played in,
To grow and change colour in little sunshines;
Older hands are the rails to practice caution on;
Older hearts are clocks to count out curiosities.
An older body is something to grow into,
And that needfulness is the necessity of older lives.
Stug, I like how you have a vision for how older bodies can be useful, so refreshing when you consider that we are all obsessed with looking ever-youthful, this poem is delightful to read and so sweet in that you are tying up the connection between youngest and older to give something that works for both parties! ! Just a lovely observation really. Most warming. I often feel like a climbing frame myself and you brought that aspect to life so very easily. HG: -) xx
This lady, who has all those older body parts (often for grandchildren to poke about or play on) thinks your poem is brilliant, Stug....it's one of those 'must read again' poems. Enjoyed it immensely........ Love, Fran xxx
This is so well written.IT flows so beautifully and couldn't be more well said. One of my favs. for sure.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Interesting contrast, and use listing. Baby on my shoulders enjoys my ear handles, and weeding my scalp. ouch. -chuck