Invisible

Reflections on old age.

I have eventually accepted that I am invisible.

Not only am I invisible, no one can hear me.

Some people have begun to look through me,

Over me and around me.

My opinions are rarely sought,

My interest hardly ever engaged,

And my conversation simply ignored.

You would never know I was there

In time I also began to disappear from photos.

I look and look again,

But I do not see my face.

It is not there no matter how hard I stare.

Pale face, grey hair does not engage the eye.

Who is this woman masquerading as me.

 

It’s the same with mirrors,

Who was this looking back

With this blank no account face.

Certainly it is not me,

I who still has so much to offer,

So much to say,

But so little time to be noticed.

 

So don’t judge me on how I look.

Don’t dismiss me, because of who you think I am.

Don’t ignore me because you can.

Just ignite that twinkle in my eye,

That smile on my lips,

And the dimple in my cheek.

Perform a miracle,

See me transform

From an invisible old lady

Into who I really am.

Val Cook 2010