(Michael H. Lester and GenieNakano, a tanka response) Micheal is in black print~~ Genie is in Purple and italic) a tongue in cheek but true Tanka Series
the old skin
a patchwork of spots
and strange bumps
dry as the desert
wind-worn sands of time
bags baggage
and budding wrinkles
yet I feel
thirty five inside
mirrors tell cruel lies
remember
when we were thirteen
the blood flowed
to our tender parts
that now sag and droop
my doctor orders
“use it or lose it”
I asked my
my lover for help
gone those quickie days
I recall
the verve of my youth
as I trudge
up the seven steps
to the old folks home
at the airport
my hip replacement
triggers off alarms
so much attention
for all the wrong reasons
those days
when I got second looks
now long gone
even the mirror
seems indifferent
far away
I pass for mam’selle
keep me
under soft candle light
or turn off the lights
my grandson
challenges me to a race
around the block
my counter proposal
a game of bocce ball
long ago
I ran barefoot
over river rocks
today I ponder
taking off my shoes
on my arm
a new liver spot
I shed tears
peeling onions
the layers of my life
back then
wanted to be ballet thin
in ten years
will I want to be
what I am now
as I age
the uncertainty
of my youth
yields to the sureness
of maturity
I accept
to sit in mystery
not always
have the answers
nothing is permanent
in old age
I start to drop things
the plus side
better reflexes
catch me if you can
my wit is quick
lived long enough to know
let it flow
laughter is the key
the way to set me free
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Micheal H. Lester and Genie Nakano
Originally published in Rafu Shimpoo and Atlas Poetica a tanka Journal.
Genie Nakano 
Nothing is permanent–pain or pleasure. Thank you for your comment.
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Sad but true. Can’t be helped though. Time moves on.
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Thanks Vincent! I do have three published books. I’m working on getting another out but this time — I’m taking my time.
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First, I love this title “Ravages of Aging”, Your poetry of words and rhythm plus the two images that you employ in your story are so true for many of us seniors…at least for me…Lol Thanks, Genie…I feel a “book” in the makings! Onward, Genie
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Reblogged this on Genie Nakano and commented:
Covid has aged me ten years.
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Thanks June–talked to Joyce today nice connecting with you both.
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So true. Loved it!
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