General Discussions => Entertainment => Books => Topic started by: Devlyn on March 02, 2026, 03:14:26 PM Return to Full Version
Title: 'Warning' by Jenny Joseph
Post by: Devlyn on March 02, 2026, 03:14:26 PM
Post by: Devlyn on March 02, 2026, 03:14:26 PM
This used to be on the site, I don't know if it survived the crash. In any event, it's worth a reread. Especially for us older folks. 🙂
When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
With a red hat which doesn't go, and doesn't suit me.
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandals, and say we've no money for butter.
I shall sit down on the pavement when I'm tired
And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells
And run my stick along the public railings
And make up for the sobriety of my youth.
I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
And pick the flowers in other people's gardens
And learn to spit.
You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat
And eat three pounds of sausages at a go
Or only bread and pickle for a week
And hoard pens and pencils and beermats and things in boxes.
But now we must have clothes that keep us dry
And pay our rent and not swear in the street
And set a good example for the children.
We must have friends to dinner and read the papers.
But maybe I ought to practise a little now?
So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised
When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.
~Jenny Joseph
Warning
When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
With a red hat which doesn't go, and doesn't suit me.
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandals, and say we've no money for butter.
I shall sit down on the pavement when I'm tired
And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells
And run my stick along the public railings
And make up for the sobriety of my youth.
I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
And pick the flowers in other people's gardens
And learn to spit.
You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat
And eat three pounds of sausages at a go
Or only bread and pickle for a week
And hoard pens and pencils and beermats and things in boxes.
But now we must have clothes that keep us dry
And pay our rent and not swear in the street
And set a good example for the children.
We must have friends to dinner and read the papers.
But maybe I ought to practise a little now?
So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised
When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.
~Jenny Joseph
Title: Re: 'Warning' by Jenny Joseph
Post by: Tessa James on March 02, 2026, 07:57:35 PM
Post by: Tessa James on March 02, 2026, 07:57:35 PM
Speaking of older folks.... Nice to see some of the crew I once sorta knew around here. Great poem and I had it on my bathroom wall for years. So good to be living true to the music;)
Title: Re: 'Warning' by Jenny Joseph
Post by: tgirlamg on March 02, 2026, 11:11:31 PM
Post by: tgirlamg on March 02, 2026, 11:11:31 PM
Hey Tessa!...
Welcome back Sister! I remember you well...
Hugs!
Ashley 💕
Welcome back Sister! I remember you well...
Hugs!
Ashley 💕
Title: Re: 'Warning' by Jenny Joseph
Post by: Devlyn on March 03, 2026, 04:11:00 AM
Post by: Devlyn on March 03, 2026, 04:11:00 AM
Quote from: Tessa James on Yesterday at 07:57:35 PMSpeaking of older folks.... Nice to see some of the crew I once sorta knew around here. Great poem and I had it on my bathroom wall for years. So good to be living true to the music;)
Good to see you around! You know how when you go to the local school to vote...the desks are too small..the rope you climbed to the top of the gym is ridiculously short... and the only people you can recognize are the principal and the janitor? Yeah, I'm the one with the broom and the dry sweep! 🤣
Hugs, Devlyn