Do Wrinkles Hurt?

This beautiful poem is written by Suzanne Kelsey.

“I returned to my love of poetry in 2010 during a recuperation from a serious chronic illness.  I had to give up my much loved contemporary dance and fitness regime, as I was diagnosed with a serious heart condition called cardiomyopathy and it was triggered by a virus.. The poetry writing was so therapeutic and it seemed to reach out to lots of people, so I hit upon the idea of self-publishing it to raise money for my local cardiology department at the hospital who had looked after me so well. I have raised over £5,000 so far … and my fifth little book has just been published … Poetry is beneficial in more ways than one!”

DO WRINKLES HURT?

“Do wrinkles hurt?” a young child asks,
As he gently touches them and begins to cry
Grandma holds him closer, smiles and softly replies
“Not always my beautiful child but let me tell you why
Each wrinkle tells a different story
About my long and interesting life
The wonderful times I have had
Alongside the troubles and the strife.”

Happy days spent with my brothers and sisters,
Playing in the sunshine by the river and waterfall,
Laughing, singing, and dancing
With not a single care in the world at all.
Growing into a glamorous and elegant lady
Courted by many a handsome beau
Until the day I married your dear grandpa
And to the world our love we could show.

All the loyal friends that I have made,
Who in my heart have a very special place.
Their patience, support and understanding
Have left their mark upon my face,
There’s a few wrinkles for all the loved ones
We all sadly lose along the way,
The disappointments and the hurt
That is the price we have to pay

These two remind me of the birth of your mummy.
Such an incredible and joyous time
That gave my life a brand new meaning
A different reason and an unforgettable rhyme.
Then there are wrinkles for the places I have visited
Across the world to see the sunrise in another place
Absorbing the sights and sounds of many cultures
Appreciating mother nature and diversity of the human race

Finally my dear grandchild there is this unique wrinkle
That shows me how much you are going to do
It made you ask that meaningful question
And how much I cherish and deeply love you
Never be afraid of collecting all these wrinkles
It will be the map of what you will achieve
Go out there, do not waste a moment, always do your best
Trust, be compassionate and thoughtful but most of all believe.

©Suzanne Kelsey June 2013

Inspired after reminiscing with my cousin Penny and she told me a question her young son Freddie had asked his grandma Liz, who sadly has recently passed away only two weeks after her husband.

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Suzanne Kelsey

I am now (reluctantly) reitred from my work as a teacher/lecturer which has been a very long and happy career that focused on education, child development, dance, drama and teacher training. I was also a health and fitness tutor and contemporary dance teacher in my spare time! I love tai chi, photography, music, dance, theatre, reading, walking, mindfulness/meditation, social media and learning something new every day. I write poetry to raise money for good causes. I am passionate about campaigning for social justice and saving our NHS here in the UK. I also love my partner, my family and my friends and like to spend as much time with them as possible.

Latest posts by Suzanne Kelsey (see all)

• Who decides my fate? - August 1, 2014
• Lonely White Cross - June 9, 2014
• A Billion Rising Voices - June 2, 2014
• The Wisdom of our Elders - March 29, 2014
• Ghost Busters - March 3, 2014