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Sun 27 Apr, 2003 08:48 pm
Maya Angelou on Getting Older.
In April, Maya Angelou was interviewed by Oprah...on her 70+ birthday.
Maya really is a marvel who has led quite an interesting and
exciting life.
Oprah asked her what she thought of growing older. And, there on
television, she said it was "exciting." Regarding body changes, she said there were many, occurring everyday...like her breasts. They seem to be in a race to see which will reach her waist, first. The audience Laughed so hard they cried. She is such a simple and honest woman...with so much wisdom in her words. Because of that, I share this.... by Maya Angelou
When I was in my younger days,
I weighed a few pounds less,
I needn't hold my tummy in
to wear a belted dress.
But now that I am older,
I've set my body free;
There's the comfort of elastic
Where once my waist would be.
Inventor of those high-heeled shoes
My feet have not forgiven;
I have to wear a nine now,
But used to wear a seven.
And how about those pantyhose-
They're sized by weight, you see,
So how come when I put them on
The crotch is at my knee?
I need to wear these glasses
As the print's been getting smaller;
And it wasn't very long ago
I know that I was taller.
Though my hair has turned to gray
and my skin no longer fits,
On the inside, I'm the same old me,
It's the outside's changed a bit.
But, on a positive note, I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things:a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. I've Learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life. I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life." I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back. I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I've learned that I still! have a lot to learn. I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
Lovely thoughts - thanks BBB.
BBB, Maya Angelou's poem went right to my heart, as I can identify with so much of what she said. I've found that getting older has been the most freeing time of my life. I sometimes complian about the physical failings of old age, but they are minor compared to how sweet my life has become.
Thanks for a lovely thread.