Category Archives: Aging

Bad Driver

You’ve always been unfocused when you drive. It can’t be blamed on age or your disease. The wonder is you’ve managed to survive with jerky hands and eyes. Activities requiring close attention never suit your empathetic gifts for social good. … Continue reading

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The Fifth Wheel

The oldest kid, the only girl, the black sheep in her family of origin, she early learned to be alone. In fact she liked her solitude – she could begin a poem, reread a book, design some clothes for paper … Continue reading

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The Cold

Two weeks ago I caught a simple cold and carried it to Portland in my chest. I didn’t think it much, but now I’m old enough to feel a wreck and need more rest than I arranged. Compounding as a … Continue reading

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Epi (A Preposition)

When I was young, I always looked ahead. Anticipating power when I grew, as soon as I knew one day I’d be dead I started listing things I had to do before my end: have sex with more than one; … Continue reading

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Tired Day

Today’s a tired day. I must admit I’m feeling every decade of my age. And that’s okay – in fact, appropriate, for I have overdone by any gauge: at first in travel far beyond my nest, and then in catching … Continue reading

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The Interrupters

My fingertips feel odd sometimes. They’re cold I note they weren’t so before, or numb when I sleep cheek-compressed – the way I hold them tightly there – or weakened in the thumb. My hands have lost all fat, and … Continue reading

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Notions

I know I was a handful: scared my mom and stunned my dad with willfulness and heat. Wicked-bright and booming like a bomb, I overfilled our den. I wasn’t sweet and patient. I defied the girl-police. I had too many … Continue reading

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Meant Empty Words

It does no good to say I told you so. That irritates the hearer to a snit. The speaker was correct, and needn’t throw a boast about. It’s inappropriate and doesn’t work. Like when you’re judging me, you say you’re … Continue reading

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Justification

I feel a little altered, and it’s good. I’m safe at home without a task that calls. There’s gentle rain outside to darken wood and speckle glass, and as the moisture falls the tense contractions in my limbs unfold. I … Continue reading

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Stun

I’m stunned by the mortality of men I used to love. They ought to stay alive, although I never thought I’d see again the three no longer breathing of the five significant to me as partners: first and last and … Continue reading

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