You Do Not Have To Be Insulting Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

Back in the day,
When my portrayal of a waning youth...
Was in the midst of my denial and pretentions,
I attempted to expose every talent I had.
With wishes to share...
And delivering energy,
That took hours for me to gather and prepare.

Today I am more aware,
Of being part of Mother Nature's affairs.
And even if I had a magic wand...
I couldn't pretend my aging isn't there.
No matter who tells me how good I look...
To be at my age!

Excuse me?
And what 'age' do you 'think' I am? Huh?

'Well...
My parents remember you when 'they' were children.
And they were born in 1973.
So you have to be...'

Forget it.
You do not have to be insulting.