When I close my eyes at night I wonder,
will I waken when tomorrow comes?
And nightmarish dreams are all asunder,
as mirror reflects my greyish white thrums.
Please tell me when did I start growing old?
When did the sparkle leave my hazel eyes?
Once rosy lips are now ashen and cold,
they are a part of life's evil demise.
My misshapen fingers so arthritic,
no longer quilting or tatting away.
Legs and feet have become paralytic,
I can't even kneel to my Lord to pray.
In my heart all the memories I hold,
please tell me when did I start growing old?
Joyce Le Lievre
(sunny day)
© Joyce A. Le Lievre, All Rights Reserved
May 2, 2008
Author notes
This is also an entry for my group, Titles Are Us.
Sonnet
A Sonnet is a poem consisting of 14 lines, usually done in (iambic pentameter) it does have a particular rhyming scheme.
Examples of a rhyming scheme:
#1) abab cdcd efef gg
#2) abba cddc effe gg
#3) abba abba cdcd cd
A Shakespearean (English) sonnet has three quatrains and a couplet, and rhymes abab cdcd efef gg.
Picture courtesy of google image search; http://www.ujc.org/display_image.aspx?id=94389
The background is courtesy of; http://www.artistic-designers.com/bkgds/designsbymarie
In a list
A contest entry
- The Sum of All My Fears by andywontdie.
4500 points, ended May 5, 2008, 20 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 20 of 20
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My grandmother used to say that she was constantly surprised when she looked into the mirror because she was still a young girl in her mind and heart. I am with teenagers every day and that can be daunting, but my first rude shock was a young clerk who called me Ma'am. I've known quite a few people who acted old at 40 and others who still seemed young at 70. I think (barring health problems) that attitude is everything. I love reading sonnets and yours was poignant and lovely. Peace and hugs, Liz
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Hey sis, Thank you for the applauses and your lovely words of praise here. I'm sorry I haven't been in for a week. So much going on. Even with health problems I still act younger than 40, I don't know about the 70 thing yet. LOL
I'll see how I feel then. I know one thing. I will always be young at heart. That will be my saving grace. You know how I love sonnets and this title called out for the contest. I'm very happy that my words spoke to you. Don't let that ma'am thing upset you too much. I still want to jump through the phone when the CSR's call me ma'am but I don't. 
It is the PC thing for them to say these days I guess. I'm very happy my words spoke to you. Love and hugs, Joyce 
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Here is one of those age old (sorry, had to do it) fears that everyone gets at one time or another in their life, and from what i understand and have experienced, is very hard to cope with and overcome. I think you did a good job in capturing that mood, especially with reenterance of the line 'Please tell me, when did i start growing old?', it really drives home the point. Thanks for sharing and entering and good luck in the contest.
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andy, Thank you for the applauses, for hosting, for your lovely words of praise and for the HM you gave to me here. Getting old is a fact of life and it's all in how we choose to deal with it that matters. I try to remain young at heart so that I can overcome the aches and pains that have started to creep into the bones and joints at a young age as far as I am concerned. Thus that question, "When did I start growing old?". My heart will never be old and that is important.
Thank you again and I'm very happy that you enjoyed this. Love and God bless, Joyce
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It's sad to think og growing old, which is why we must make sure that we pack our life with wonderful memories to hold on to. Loved this poem Joyce.
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Kiran, Thank you for the applauses and your lovely words of praise for me here. We do have to hold on to the memories and stay young at heart. I'm very happy that this spoke to you and that you enjoyed it so much. Love and God bless you my friend, Joyce
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SO LOVELY!!!!
Life does pass us by and if we do not stop and enjoy it while we can one day we will realize what we have missed out on. One may be old in their body but rich beyond compare in their minds and heart.
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Kevin, Thank you for the applauses and your lovely words of praise for me here. I'm sorry I missed this before. I have had a lot on my plate and haven't been in much. We must always stay young at heart. I'm very happy that this spoke to you. Love and God bless you my friend, Joyce
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a sad poem wrote butifuly Joyce ... shares a nanna milkshake with ya ... x cheeky x
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Judie, Thank you for the applauses and your lovely words of praise you gave to me here. I'm so sorry that I missed this before. I have had so much on my plate and haven't been in poetry very much. I love the nanna shake and I'm very happy that you enjoyed this. Love you my friend, Joyce
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I so loved this poem!
So sincere, so human. And then the refraining question. This question almost prompted me to write more than a few words, but that would spoil this lovely write. I am more aware now than 10 years back that I am growing old - will retire in a few year's time - but this does make me excited. Oh dash, I said I would not write anything! Thanks for this lovely write [and yes, I love the elderly; they a very special to me] its fresh and in such a wonderful fitting form. Frans
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Frans, Thank you for the applauses and your lovely words of praise for me here. The title really caught me for this one. I am always young at heart, though I deal with the reality of aches and pains that afflict us as we start to get a little older. Especially those nagging ones from old sports injuries. LOL You dear sir have a great attitude and that is something which is very important. Always keep it. Love and God bless you my friend, Joyce
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wow
so sad.... I really felt this person growning old before my eyes. With great emotion the truth comes forth. Good luck in this contest.
Yvonne
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Yvonne, Thank you for the applauses and your lovely words of praise for me here. It sneaks up on some quicker than others. That is why I do try and enjoy every moment that He gives me here on earth. When I saw this title I felt this contest would be perfect for it. I'm very happy that my words spoke to you here. Love you my friend, Joyce
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You will never get old. You are far too young at heart. Great poem. I love the rhyme and so wish I had the patience to learn form poetry. I could never compare to you though.
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Jenn, Thank you for the applauses and your lovely words of praise that leave me so humbled all the time.
You are a wonderful poet and I know you could do form poetry if you put your mind to it. I'm very happy that you enjoyed this one. It is strictly for the contest and group. Love you my friend, Joyce
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Sad..
The thought of getting older with suffering involved, I think that bothers me most. For I don't like to see anyone in discomfort or pain. You have penned a well expressed piece here. Thanks for sharing.. Always a pleasure reading you.
-Timothy
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Timothy, Thank you for the applauses and your lovely words of praise as always. This was an entry for my group Titles Are Us and I did look for a contest for it first. When I saw this contest the title hit me right away as a fear that many have. I'm very happy that you enjoyed this one and the feeling is mutual in the reading. Love and God bless you my dear friend, Joyce
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although this is a bit quirky (sp?) this also has a tad saddness to it. i am not looking forward to growing old, watching my kids grow, yes...but not ME!!
anyway this was a very beautiful sonnet, one that i find hard to write. lovely piece!
*rianna
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Rianna, Thank you for the applauses and your lovely words of praise. I would love to see you join the Titles Group. There is no pressure like we had in the other one. Honestly I don't fear getting old, I do hope I can age gracefully though. LOL Actually, I thank Him for each day he gives me on this earth. I'm very happy that you enjoyed this one. Love and God bless you my friend, Joyce
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