This is a repost of two birthday poems from the past two years. Indulge me for two reasons. First, many new subscribers (thrilled to have you!) haven’t read these. Secondly, it’s my birthday month and these help me laugh at myself.
Despite the humor — and the uncooperative mirror — I’m a firm believer that birthdays are to be celebrated. No matter how we feel about the rest of the baggage or the station we’re passing. Personally, I still struggle with losses of the past three years but celebrating my birthday is a way of acknowledging the love in my life. I remind myself aging is wonderful especially compared to the alternative. After all I’m here and that’s a privilege.
Humor is the best medicine even when the malady in question is aging. Birthdays, generally a cause for celebration of the dumb luck of our existence, now act as rude reminders of the finitude of it all.
My own birthday arrives early in the year just to remind me that I need to shape up. Resolutions are demanded even as the mirror and the body bring reminders of ruination leading to much rumination. With my vain struggles, aka struggles in vain, I simply turn to poetry…
Damn, girl!
a white eyelash has sprouted
much to my vain horror
mascara to the rescue
to fake a youthful aurahair color has been my friend
to hide so much that's now gray
wrinkles, sagging skin, even beards, i’m told
will eventually have their wayoften i laugh out loud
when i think about these terrors
happiness is not in question
but what happened to the mirror?this girl's not going gently
will be battling ageing signs
until I am too tired 'coz
this b.s. takes so much time
—reena | orig. 2020, still true
First written in 2020 the lines above - rather vexingly - rang only more true in 2021. A self-improvement quest ensued, resulting mostly in… more verse!
Step out in the morning to catch that early light
Warm soaks to relax your muscles that get tight
Cold showers are the thing to renew your mood
Wine is still alcohol, once declared to be good
Most of it now declared poison, plus too many carbs
Please just order water, even at a bar
Too much of that plain water can also be an issue!
So add electrolytes, minerals, vitamins for a daily rescue
Those drinks with all those goodies have way too much sugar
You lost weight? So what? Your muscle mass is poorer
Coffee is good for you they told us recently
Avoid coffee, honey, so you sleep soundly
Hike outdoors, connect with nature, find solace in the garden
Watch out for mountain lions, lyme-y ticks, sun and dehydration!
Dentist: Be sure to diligently floss every day
Every day, every tooth, few minutes you can spare
Boys n’ Gals at the gym: Strength training is the real game
Pull some weight, get strong, aerobic work maybe bit passè
Yoga guru: The best hour you will spend in a day
Stretch and strengthen, get ready to meditate
Oh Meditation app! Darn! I almost forgot
10 minutes mindfulness to banish all thought
Massage therapist: Stretch daily please
5 minutes EACH MUSCLE, gently with ease!
Spa lady: Darling! Do consider botox, ahem!
Seriously, do you even follow a nighttime regimen?!
—reena | orig. 2021, still true in 2024
I remain earnest about self improvement — if a tad confused! Anyone else?
With joy
Mirth and melancholy seem to arrive as a package. And this first month of the year also brings with it a sweet remembrance for our dog Moxie, full of moxie who was born and also passed in January. She’s never far from our hearts having tended a great warmth there. I wrote this for her after her passing in 2021. Whenever you get the chance, show a doggie some love in honor of my Moxie.
Enjoyed both of these - nicely done.
And happy birthday!
Happy Birthday!