Poetry on Friday – Warning

Posted on 14. Nov, 2009 by Rachael in Poetry

Red Hat

Red Hat

Warning by Jenny Joseph

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 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 practice a little now?
So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised
When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.

This poem is the inspiration behind The Red Hat Society, where a huge group of woman get together for a convention to enjoy some silliness and sisterhood – all whilst wearing purple and a red hat which does go, and doesn’t suit!

Follow this link to read the heart-warming story of how The Red Hat Society was formed and how it is growing from strength to strength. They even have an online shop, but be warned “tasteful” is not the watchword for this merchandise :)

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5 Responses to “Poetry on Friday – Warning”

  1. Sheilagh

    15. Nov, 2009

    I absolutely love this poem……………..when our Mother was 70, my sister wrote it in her Copper plate handwriting and gave it to Mother with a Purple hat :)

  2. Rachael

    16. Nov, 2009

    That’s a fab story Sheilagh! It’s such a feel good poem.

    Thinking of this poem made me chuckle on Saturday;-

    I was in town, taking a break from shopping, in Waterstones’ Illy espresso bar, and a woman in front of me in the queue was ‘gobbling up‚Äô the free cake samples like there was no tomorrow. She‚Äôs obviously read this poem and decided to go for it! I had to watch her find a table and take her coat off, I was convinced she‚Äôd be wearing purple underneath…

  3. Jack

    17. Nov, 2009

    It’s a great poem and should be a compulsory blueprint for old age.

    It reminds me of a wonderful character called Jenny Brown where I grew up. She’s in her 70s (still looks great) and has taken to writing poetry herself. This is one of hers:

    If I was You

    If I was you for just one day
    I’d change my hair from brown to grey.
    I’d briskly walk along the shore,
    Rest awhile, then walk some more.

    I’d buy a weekly Peoples Friend.
    Read it through from start to end.
    I’d read again ‘The Doctor’s Page.’
    I’ll take that tip, when I’m that age.

    I’d treat myself to apple pie
    At the coffee shop I found nearby,
    And after, when I’d had my fill,
    I’d ask for water to take my pill.

    My feet are sore, my legs are aching,
    My poor back is near to breaking.
    My doctor doesn’t seem to care,
    He says it’s simply ‘wear and tear.’

    But now to make the big decision:
    What side tonight for television?
    I’d phone a friend or maybe two,
    And ask what they intend to view.

    And then I’d take it off the hook,
    Curl up with a raunchy book.
    Then when it’s time for ‘Corrie’s’ visit
    Like you I may doze off and miss it.

  4. Kate

    01. Dec, 2009

    Oh how joyous! What a fabulous poem and almost describes my life now……yesterday I wore a cream dress over a pink net petticoat with black tights and leopardskin wellingtons with pink bows! WHY? To annoy the children! I just love that poem….I’m going to follow the link to the site.

    Jack….I think your lady’s poem is heading in the right direction too. Thank you for sharing that one.
    Kate x

  5. Rachael

    01. Dec, 2009

    Hee hee – excellent choice of outfit Kate! You’re a woman after my own heart! Did you manage to have a look at The Red Hat society website? It’s inspiring and silly stuff, and surely what life should be all about. Glad you enjoyed our poem choice. Pop back each Friday for something new :)

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