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 March 2008 Back to Table of Contents Back to Archives Main Page Section: Making a Difference
The poems of Esther Sunshine-Lassoff Clothes Horse I used to be a clothes horse,  quite a fashion plate.Designed my own togs, bought shoes by the crate.Started in the “rag” trade, with my mom and dad.(They always made certain I was properly clad.)Embraced every fad, when it became sirfashionTrying new looks could fire up my passion.Loved haute couture, loved everything casual--Found my own look, didn’t need any manual.And—oh, how my life was very enhanced,When females started wearing some pants!But aging brings need for quite a transition;Now bodily comfort becomes the condition.Don’t want clothes to pull over my head …No turtlenecks—oh no—enough said!Front closing with Velcro, buttons or snaps,Waist bands elastic, and tops that can wrap.But if I were younger, And still trim and lean Yes, if I were younger I’d wear mostly jeans. My Therapist I was glad that I had told my dear therapist how I felt because she then revealed she had been diagnosed with esophageal cancer the previous month. She had been undergoing chemotherapy and taking steroids—all while she was helping me cope with a similar situation. Kathy is my therapist. In empathy, a specialist. She picks me up when I am down, And makes me smile instead of frown.It seems that I just never do tire Of writing rhymes for those I admire. My spirits she can always lift, And that’s a truly wondrous gift. A gift that she finds easy to share Cause she’s a person who really does care!Thank you, Kathy! Thank you! Love from Esther. Luddite I am a luddite, I do admit So maybe in this world I do not fit. But do you think it is efficient To make life better--is it sufficient That your computer’s your best friend?I don’t really know where all of this ends.Fast temporary answers are your goal;Please stop and assess the toll That comes with instant gratifications;A life that’s filled with abbreviations. I would rather read a book Than find out that I had mistook The meaning on a “Google” or a “Yahoo” screen.Silly names! What do they mean? Push a button! Is it progressive? “Our computer’s down” is the only missive.In spite of this, I don’t complain. Cause I do own a computer— it’s called my brain.Talent? Can’t dramatize like Arthur Miller, Can’t tell jokes like Phyllis Diller. Can not sing like Beverly Sills, Or choreograph like Agnes De Mille. Like Ms. Pavlova, I can’t dance, Or copy Streisand’s on-stage stance. Of talent I’ve a tiny bit, So I am not just going to sit. It’s something I don’t want to lose: A slight ability to amuse. It makes me feel so much at ease That others I might even please. So I don’t think I’m being rash To be inspired by Ogden Nash. And hope that all my future ditties Sound to you a slight bit witty. My Doctor (excerpt) Hello, Doctor. And how are you today? Isn’t that what you were going to say?Would I be here if I was able To keep my blood counts always stable?Would I be here if I had more pep, Or without my walker, could take a step?I really do appreciate That on your papers I look “great.” I no longer look for bodily perfection…Could I at least expect fewer injections?Marriage (excerpt) Don’t marry too young, When your hormones go wild. Sweet words from his tongue Don’t make a man from a child. Don’t marry too old, And maybe so wealthy. Who can you scold When he’s broke and not healthy? Don’t wed cause you’re lonely Life’s easily erratic-- You might find that you are Taking care of a neurotic. back to top back to table of contents Current Issue | About Forever Young | Where to Find | Advertise | Our Advertisers | Community Calendar | Contest | Clubs | Contact Us | Archives | Home |
