i lop topknot posturing
and shave make-believe bare
undo the weave of martyrdom
and pare the tragedy of broken nail
i’m done with jewel-encrusted cuffs
dark bespoke and self-inflicted shoes
and rip asunder the numbered shirt
the agenda halter and macho cup
wipe the box of vitamins grin
Cheshire cats are for Wonderland
step out of sweats and gingerly peel
trying too hard to look young spandex
i let addenda slouch and swing
and skeleton mercifully heave
naked i came and naked leave
johnpoetflanagan 
As I leave my “retirement” job at 74 and prepare for life’s next stage, I appreciate this poem.
Thank you
and i’m glad you enjoyed the poem
Hope your retirement is everything you wish for.
My best to you
john
I love it when I find myself smiling reading your poems. You write with so much tenderness and humour. And won’t we all — naked come and naked leave.
Yes, Vera, we will.
Thank you, Friend, for the wonderful response.
Much love
john
The pleasure is all mine, John. So happy to be in your fine company.
Much love
vera
Beautiful Dear John!
Lizio
Thank you
Dear Lizio
Always
john
Ah, yes, that point when we realised what is true in life and at last dispense with the trappings that we are told we need. Very well put, John.
My best to you
Chris
You’ve said it perfectly, Chris,
the trappings we are told we need.
Thank you, Sir, for the great support
Always
john
Brother John – Guess one of the benefits of age and experience is the freedom from pretense as you so eloquently express in this poem. Love the rhythm and imagery of your language. Especially liked:
i lop topknot posturing
and shave make-believe bare
and,
wipe the box of vitamins grin
Cheshire cats are for Wonderland
and especially,
i let addenda slouch and swing
and skeleton mercifully heave
naked i came and naked leave
This is freedom indeed.
What an excellent response!
Brother David
Thank you very much.
Love to You and Diane
Ever Your Brother
john
I love your freedom. You make me smile with pleasure.
Thank you, Dear Myra
Big hugs
john
Good one.
Glad you liked it, Bruce
Thank you
john
Well done, John, and loved the imagery you portray, especially, “trying too hard to look young spandex.” Growing older is better than the alternative, but, oh, to be young again. 🙂
Hugs, Lauren
Thank you, Dear Lauren
for this excellent response.
Big hugs
john
So good, John! Brought a smile to my face…all so very true! There is a freedom in not sweating over appearance as much as we all do in youth!
Kirt
Thank you so much for the fine support
My best to you
john
At first, I felt a little sad. Then, I chuckled at the absurdity. Finally, I was relieved. That’s what you do, John — take us on an emotional journey. Your words are the rolling highway.
This is such a fine response
Dearest Gina
it raises my spirits which are not what they
should or could be these days.
Big Hugs
john