If you shall become an old person

A few days ago, I came across a poem titled “If you shall become an old man”. The poem was by an Apologetic Poet who noted that, the poem he wrote is an adaptation of the poem IF by Rudyard Kipling.

Let us face, there is no “IF” when it comes to age. We all shall become an old man or woman. In fairness for correct speech, I shall say that if we are lucky enough we all shall become an old person and hence comes the title of this blog. 

And if, the Apologetic Poet’s “IF” does not work for you, there is Julie Andrews, who is 89 years old, having born in 1935,  adaptation she composed of her "My Favorite Things" song she sang in the Sound of Music. So, children of all ages, here are the two poems for you. You may find solace in them.

Vahe H Apelian

 

IF YOU SHALL BECOME AN OLD MAN

(An Adaptation of The Poem IF By RUDYARD KIPLING)

THE APOLOGETIC POET

 

If you can move without stumbling, with dignity intact,

While others rely on walkers, their steps compact;

If you can wait for family visits, patient and kind,

Even when emergencies are just an excuse to find;

Or resist the allure of dating, not feeling quite refined,

Yet still cherishing beauty within your mind.

If you can dress with care, without vanity's hold,

And write poetry, sharing stories yet untold;

If you can face Dementia and Alzheimer's embrace,

Fight against their grip, with courage and grace;

If you can bear repeated tales, fellow elders' plight,

Understanding the importance of sharing their light.

Or see your dreams shattered, and still believe,

That new beginnings await, if you choose to perceive;

If you can rebuild relationships, taking the lead,

Showing forgiveness, as you plant love's seed;

And hold fast to love, when passion's flame has ceased,

Embracing companionship, a bond that's not released.

If you can remain part of the crowd, hand in hand,

Or reside in a home, where connection still stands;

If neither forgotten birthdays, nor fading memories,

Can wound your spirit, for love's legacy still carries;

If you can sing and dance, with joyous glee,

Embodying the vitality of what it means to be free.

Then rejoice, dear elder, for you are ever agile,

A testament to strength, resilience, and your smile.

***

 

And if the “IF”-s are no longer the answer for you, Jule Andrews has an answer, along the her famous song  "My Favorite Things" in the Sound of Music film. Enjoy the music as you read Julie Andrew’s adaptation.

Botox and nose drops and needles and knitting,
Walkers and handrails and new dental fittings,
Bundles of magazines tied up in string,  these are a few of my favourite things

Cadillacs and cataracts, hearing aids and glasses
Polydent and Fixodent and false teeth in glasses
Pacemakers, golf carts and porches with swings,
these are a few of my favourite things.

When the pipes leak,
When the bones creak
When the knees go bad
I simply remember my favourite things
and then I don’t feel so bad.

Hot tea and crumpets and corn pads and bunions
No spicy hot food or food cooked with onions
Bathrobes and heating pads and hot meals they bring,
these are a few of my favourite things

Back pain, confused brains and no need for sinning,
Thin bones and fractures and hair that is thinning,
And we won’t mention our short-shrunken frames,
When we remember our favourite things

When the joints ache,
when the hips break,
when the eyes grow dim.
Then I remember the great life I’ve had
AND THEN I DON’T FEEL SO BAD