But now we must have clothes that keep us dry
And pay our rent and not swear in the street
And set a good example for the children.
We must have friends to dinner and read the papers.
But maybe I ought to practise a little now?
So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised
When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.”
“When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
With a red hat which doesn’t go, and doesn’t suit me.
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandals, and say we’ve no money for butter.
I shall sit down on the pavement when I’m tired
And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells
And run my stick along the public railings
And make up for the sobriety of my youth.
https://www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/poem/warning/
#Poetry @bookstodon #JennyJoseph
Hey, Google, how old do I have to be to wear purple?
Siri, does this red hat suit me?
Alexa, buy brandy.
Siri, do I have money for butter?
Today's poem:
Warning
- by Jenny Joseph
https://www.tumblr.com/ukdamo/759598649103761408/warning?source=share
#JennyJoseph #poetry #OldAge #conformity #respectability #normativity #queer #agency #personhood #feistiness
I think I shall be Lwaxana Troi when I grow up.
On Sunday evening, the day chose to wear purple and it reminded me of Jenny Joseph’s poem Warning that includes the words, “When I am old, I shall wear purple.” It suggests a freedom of expression that has been repressed in earlier years, and warns friends and family not to be surprised when that happens.
I was surprised by the purple sky, but thankful for it. It was like an old woman wearing purple with a red hat, and it made me happy.
https://snowbirdofparadise.com/2024/04/16/purple-sunset/
#humour #sunset #nature #sky #JennyJoseph #Warning #purple #oldWoman #purpleSky
Sarah Farooqui
Rupert V/
damian entwistle
Court Cantrell does not comply
Snowbird of Paradise
petapixel (unofficial)
