I’ve said it so many times, I can’t remember to whom I’ve said it and on what walls of which elevators I’ve scratched it with my nail file or in what bathroom stalls I’ve written it in permanent marker. But I’ll say it once again, here, with emphasis: I hate old people jokes. I cringe when I hear jokes about faulty memories or sagging body parts. Some might see these quips as self-deprecating and a means of bonding. I see these jokes as examples of self-hatred. I have to admit I’ve made a few of those miserable jokes myself but all ageism makes me sad, even my own.
Words wield terrible power. As George Orwell said, “… if thought corrupts language, language can also corrupt thought.” Words can be used to build walls between people and insinuate assassination. And, despite what some loose-lipped liars think, words cannot be taken back. Neither can they be controlled or denied once they’ve flown. Nor can they be changed once they break from one’s crenelated maw and pierce the flesh of the other.
On the other hand, there are some people who understand the value of a finely phrased thought. I’ve been a fan of artist Susan Mrosek for years and, being fond of her absurd characters, often send them out to speak to my quirkier friends and family members. Susan’s new series, Aging With Grace, portrays the aging process wisely and respectfully.
The elderly may laugh at those weak jokes about loose skin and bowels but I doubt anyone really finds them funny. Instead let’s fling words upward from
where they may gently fall across older shoulders, so that Grace, and all who are ripening, may know gratitude and respect.
Aside from being a delightful artist, Susan Mrosek is a proper wordster. Please, take a look at her website and support her as you are able.
PonderingPool.com
Pondering Pool
PO Box 44067
Tucson AZ 85733
Phone: 520-326-4354
Fax: 520-303-9503
hmmm@ponderingpool.com
All artwork ©Susan Mrosek
Used with permission