In the Mirror, I See an Old Man
Moving into a senior community.
I don’t want to be old. I don’t want to move into a senior community even though it’s independent living. This can’t possibly be me. I was 28 years old. I went out on dates with beautiful girls. It can’t be in the past…but it is!
The Woman in the Mirror
By Carole Leskin on February 2, 2025
I looked in the mirror
And what did I see?
A little old woman
Looking right back at me!
“Who are you” I asked
My voice filled fear
“Why you, silly woman”
An answer I don’t want to hear!
“You cannot possibly be me!!
You are far too old!
A frightening vision
I don’t want to see!”
She laughed!
“Ah, Carole
You don’t want to be old.
But this is the moment
You need to be bold!
Embrace your years!
Let go of your fears!!
Think of the things you have seen.
The things you have done.
It is a life full of surprises.
Some sadness.
Some fun.
You have loved.
You have lost.
But one thing is true.
Because you are here
There is no one like you.
Each person is one of a kind.
What matters at the end
Is what they leave behind.
The sound of your laughter.
Your love of things wild.
A curious nature.
The spirit of a child.
Your gains
And your losses
How you held on.
That is what will be remembered
When you are gone.
So go on living.
Face being old.
It takes being true to yourself.
It takes being bold.
With what time you have left
Love what you do.
Treasure the old.
Welcome the new.
Live each day fully
And if you look back
Be kind to yourself.
Don’t stress about lack.
There is so much wonder
So much love and such joy.
It’s been a good life.
Now just go on with living.
Don’t stop until the end.
Let each new day
Be your best friend.
There are still surprises and wonders
If you only look.
Don’t close the cover.
You haven’t finished the book!
I’m 82, and my family encouraged me to visit a senior independent living community. The poem reflects exactly what I’m feeling and thinking, except that I’m a male. I invite and welcome every one of my readers to send comments.
Let’s chat about aging.
Allan, another of my Substack friends, Leland Katz, is your age and living in a NJ senior community, which he loves. It may help you to speak with him. Leland is probably seeing this comment. If you are interested I will send his contact info.
Hello, I'm so glad you will be writing more about your experience. I'm very interested to hear more from a "man on the inside". I'm so sorry to hear about your balance issues. I like that you are pragmatic about the need to move into assisted living, but I do wish there were more options for seniors as they age.