Thursday 10 February 2011

I Have Never Acted my Age


I HAVE NEVER ACTED MY AGE

I have never acted my age;
I was always the young one,
paid half-fare on the buses
nearly three years over the limit.
One summer I served
behind a Highland hotel bar
but back in Glasgow my age
was challenged in an off-licence.

For twenty years
I haven't appeared to age,
still seemed to be
in my late twenties.
A few stray greys
I've noted for some time
but today I saw my face
in a huge, enlarging mirror
that showed the grey hairs
even in my beard
almost out-numbering the dark.

Someone once said
I'd be bald before thirty.
I rightfully scorned them
yet I will be grey
before fifty.

I have never acted my age
but will wear my grey hairs
with dignity
scorning all caps
and hair-tints

Maybe I will no longer shout
at the children or mutter
at the dog,
nor tear my hair out
when clients cancel
else I'll be bald at eighty.

I cannot count the grey hairs
so will put away
the calculator,
live each day
four and twenty hours,
leave the acting to others.

© Gerald England

Composed: Gee Cross, 27th July 1990

Publications

1991 The Affiliate (Canada)
1991 PENNINE 25 (Heckmondwike, Fighting Cock Press)


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