They have spent their
content of simpering,
holding their lips this
and that way, winding
the lines between
their brows. Old folks
allow their bellies to jiggle like slow
tambourines.
The hollers
rise up and spill
over any way they want.
When old folks laugh, they free the world.
They turn slowly, slyly knowing
the best and the worst
of remembering.
Saliva glistens in
the corners of their mouths,
their heads wobble
on brittle necks, but
their laps
are filled with memories.
When old folks laugh, they consider the promise
of dear painless death, and generously
forgive life for happening
to them.
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Dr. Maya is only one of the few writers that have touched my soul so deeply and can make my spirit soar so high in my ailing body. Her poetry and books bring peace to my worn out body.
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This poems makes me in many ways excited to grow old. Wonderfully and eloquently written, this was truly enjoyable to read.
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Wonderful...MA is a mistress of observation...of characterization and human nature...Herein she says oldfolks have had enough of protocol...of considering every reaction lest it not be seemly or seen as seemly...I adore the movement...momentum and philosophy...the peek a boo into an older soul that says after all is said and done...when bones are older and the end is never far from mind...it's the laughter that lifts the spirit...not that laughter may wash away memories that shouldn't have been made...nor that it will change those yet to be made...but the realization that in these moments there is no need for anything else than to let the self be embraced by this bonus, ahh, laughter is a tonic, it's efficacious, and it can make life seem worth the living. What a delight to find this poem of Maya's that I hadn't read before. I am an ardent fan of her poetry, books and her outlook on life. What an inspiration she is!
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Love it...She has observed elderly laughing..And they have learned the hard times, so when they laugh, they are not afraid to do so, unapologetically no matter how they look! Un unabashed candid delight on the lighter side, which many of us could use in our own life...Maya being elderly takes a look at her generation and laughs with them...Excellently delightful!
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This is a superb description of old people laughing. I've seen this laughter bubbling up, beginning with a grin or smile and then - erupion! A marvellous sight and sound.
Dr Angelou has obvioulsy watched old folk laughing! Her description of 'slow tambourines' is just marvellous.
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