“Ageing is not ‘lost youth’ but a new stage of opportunity and strength.” Betty Friedan
Once Once I ran tall with the juice of life flowing wildly through my veins, and no wind could assail my boughs, until came the day when my limbs stiffened and my green cloak fell away, that my brittle bones did crack and sheer to the earth from whence I came, now home to all manner of living things previously unknown in my skin, now friends, who bring a new dignity to my otherwise sad collapse. Copyright 2021 ©Paul Vincent Cannon All Rights Reserved ®
parallax 
Wonderful!
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Many thanks Susan
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Your poem tells the story so well. Poor tree.
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Yes, sad, the end of the road, many thanks Ruth
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Trees are wonderful. In my neighborhood, there are lots of trees. When I take my walk, it is like visiting old friends. Sadly, many of the older trees are dying and being cut down. I will tell them of your poem when I walk tomorrow.🙏
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Thank you so much Patricia, what a great idea, I will share it too.
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Well said … a better way of looking at aging, whether a tree or a person. Just yesterday I was cursing my body for not being able to do the things it once did, told the body I hated it and perhaps I’d just go find a new one! Sigh. I feel just like that tree … and yet, there is still life left in me, just as in the tree.
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Thank you so much for sharing that Jill, yes the dog days of the body, but also yes, there is still life.
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Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet.
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The circle of life – great piece, Paul. Great quote too 🙂
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I really appreciate this metaphor for aging, particuarly the dignity afforded to returning to the earth.
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I’m captivated by how nature wastes nothing, but we have not really been comfortable with thee whole ageing and then dying bit, I think we sanitise it and deny it, but like the tree, we could embrace it. Thank you for sharing that Liz.
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You’re welcome, Paul.
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Returning is inevitable but how, choice is ours. Nice poem Paul.
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wonderful thoughts on aging :Paul.. nice
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Thank you very much Cindy 🙂
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pleasure Paul❣️
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A great metaphor, and a wonderful told story of life. Thank you, Paul! Have a beautiful week! Michael
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I hope you’re having some delightful sunny days Michael.
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Thank you, Paul! We have borrowed the weather from the UK. Lol xx
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Ha, ha, I urge you to give it back to the UK. 🙂
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:-)) xx
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Yes, it is a new stage of opportunity, and it takes so much strength.
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Yes, and this you know well by your comment, thank you for sharing your experience Amy.
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