Don’t wait until you’re old to wear purple

Sharing is caring!

I came across this poem when I was about 18 and I loved the images it conjured up, of an old lady who wears what she likes,  is a bit eccentric and doesn’t care what people think,  and I remember thinking,  it’ll be so great when I’m old and I no longer care and I can be so free!  But should we wait until a certain point to be true to ourselves?   When is that point?  Well maybe we shouldn’t go round spitting and swearing at people, but don’t wait until you’re old to wear purple.

Over time my opinions changed and now I think – don’t wait until you’re old or for some mythical time when you’ll be free of constraints – do what you want to now and don’t worry about what others think, only the ones that truly care about you matter – buy the artwork that you want,  go on that trip of a lifetime,  start the business you’ve always wanted to,  be fierce, have children,  get a pet,  call a friend,  eat that cake, buy the dress, and that jacket, try something new, be brave, take a duvet day,  say what you think, don’t take no for an answer,  make time for yourself, move house,  play with your children,  dye your hair pink, and above all – wear purple if you want to!

Sometimes people will comment on your life choices and opinions,  most of the time it’s live and let live.  We only get one shot at this life so we might as well enjoy our time here.  Be compassionate to others and nurture your family and friends.   Try not to fuck things up.

Warning

By Jenny Jones

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.

Thank you for reading - if you enjoyed this content, please consider buying me a coffee here or browse my Amazon wishlist I really appreciate your support and it helps to keep the site running and for my time 🙂

Sharing is caring!