Where is Carole?
Oh no!
I seem to have lost me!
I’ve looked everywhere.
It just isn’t fair.
I have no idea
Where she could be!
It’s frightening you see
To live without me!
I think she got tired
Of being so sick.
And being alone.
Always at home.
It is no way to live.
So she just stole away.
Not willing to stay.
Not even for just
One more day.
I really don’t blame her,
I would do the same thing
If only I could.
It would feel oh so good
To be free.
But I don’t know how.
And as things stand now
I just can’t see
Why she would want to be me.
So – who am I now?
What can I do?
The options I have
Are only a few.
The best choice they say
Is to live day by day.
Accept what must be.
And find a new me.
She will be different I know.
Wiser, they say.
Learn to let go
And continue to grow.
All things must change.
This is the way
So the experts all say
To age gracefully.
Do not expect
The same life as before.
Time to leave the old me
And walk thru the door
Facing whatever it is
Life has in store
Fearlessly.
What choice do I have?
The old me is gone.
So I will move on.
Reluctantly.
Carole Leskin is a retired Director of Global Human Resources. Embarking on a second career as a writer and photographer concentrating on her personal accounts of aging, her essays and poetry, frequently accompanied by her photos, are published in Jewish Sacred Aging, Jewish Women of Words, Starts At 60, Navigating Aging ( a Kaiser Health publication), Women’s Older Wisdom, Time Goes By and Next Avenue. Her poems, “Father Time” and “Carole’s Debate” were selected for inclusion in the 2019 anthologies of poetry, New Jersey Bards. Her photos have been featured in Mart R Porter Nature Forum.
Thanks for your poem, Carole. I am facing some health issues and would like to have the old me back, but I don’t think that will happen. Keep writing and keep evolving…it’s not easy but you are a strong person and will triumph. Best, Mark
Thank you Mark. I appreciate your support and kind words.
Thank you Mark. Your encouragement is much appreciated!
I understand completely what you have written and share those thoughts you so eloquently expressed. Day by day is the only way.Be strong and continue writing. I so enjoy receiving whatever you write!
❤️Linda Jaro
Thank you Linda. It motivates me to continue writing when you comment.