Old Age is Oblique

Late summer slathers rouge;
the wrong color
for her complexion,
but in triangular
forest witchcraft,
she make-believes.

Besides, leaves are two-tone,
dark past their prime,
but blemish-less underneath,
and the blooms of youth
morph to Pacman ghosts,
invisible blurs dry humping in heat.

Fertility is fashionable;
old age is oblique.

24 responses to “Old Age is Oblique”

Michele Lee

Great phrases, Kate!

LikeLiked by 2 people

Reply
1. K.Hartless
  
  Thank you, Michele. The painting inspired me, as paintings often do. 😁
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  
  Reply
  1. Michele Lee
    
    You are welcome, K. Art begets more art. 💖
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
  2. K.Hartless
    
    💜
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
Jeff Flesch

An awesome flow of words. I really enjoyed your language choices here, K, and the subtle way you unpacked youth and the aged. 💜

LikeLiked by 2 people

Reply
1. K.Hartless
  
  Thank you, Jeff. My daughter and I had just walked in the forest and the two-tone leaves had captured her attention. She asked me why they were lighter underneath, so that lead to this one.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  
  Reply
  1. Jeff Flesch
    
    You’re welcome, K. Ah, a lovely question by your daughter. I loved when the boys asked me questions like that when they were younger. So much fun. Happy weekend, my friend.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
  2. K.Hartless
    
    😁Thank you. Here’s to more silly questions and poems in response.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
  3. Jeff Flesch
    
    You’re most welcome. Ah, yes, more silliness all around. I agree. 😁
    
    LikeLike
johnlmalone

colourful and biting commentary; great couplet to wrap it up —

LikeLiked by 2 people

Reply
1. K.Hartless
  
  Thank you, John. I do like this ending. It may be one to try and improve and polish in the future.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  
  Reply
  1. johnlmalone
    
    it’s a terrific poem as it is ; the ending clinches it for me —
    
    LikeLike
Poetry Goddess – Luna B

Awesome writing

LikeLike

Reply
Tom

Very memorable imagery here with a poignant message – you write it so well 🙂

LikeLiked by 1 person

Reply
1. K.Hartless
  
  Thank you, Tom. I’m looking forward to this weekend and catching up with some of my favorite writers posts. It’s the week before school starts here, and I’ve done and incredible amount of work in 4 days….One day more.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  
  Reply
  1. Tom
    
    Glad you’ve made so much progress with your debut manuscript! Hope the proof editing all goes well ❤
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
  2. K.Hartless
    
    Thank you. 💜🤞🏻 Its good to be optimistic. 🤣
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
beth

wonderful, Kate

LikeLike

Reply
Jaya Avendel

Love the imagery and carefully crafted flow of this poem!

LikeLiked by 1 person

Reply
1. K.Hartless
  
  Thank you, Jaya. I’m pleased you liked this one.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  
  Reply
yourplateormine967244485

Great poem, and paired so beautifully with the painting! Your thoughts/poems always delight! 💖💖🤗

LikeLike

Reply
yourplateormine967244485

Beautiful picture of you too, and I have a top in that same pattern!! Great minds think alike! ☺️😇💖

LikeLike

Reply
writingwhatnots

Intriguing artwork – love the inspiration it has triggered.

LikeLike

Reply
luisa zambrotta

Powerful and true🌺

LikeLike

Reply