I would like to introduce Mother Gillian and Father William, my two poetical exemplars of Successful Aging. I have been writing intermittently about this couple for some years and have composed many lines in their honor. FYI the terms “Father” and “Mother” are not used in either a religious or parental context here. They are terms used long ago in the UK as an honorific signifying respect for the wisdom accumulated with age. You will see, I hope, that same ‘wisdom of action’ in the following lines. In the spirit of Successful Aging therefore may I offer you a lighthearted, “limerickal” of “Energized Aging”
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“You are grey Mother Gillian”, the young girl said,
“an oldie by any description.
“Yet you sing and you dance at the drop of a hat
No need of a doctor’s prescription!”
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“You are old, Father William” the young girl said,
“and I can’t believe all you can lift.
“You’re not frail or weak, though you’re 90 years on
What is it that gives you this gift?”
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As you think about the positivity exemplified by the strengths of these two dramatis personae
What life rhythms are coming up for you?
