The International Writers Magazine:Lifestyle

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To those who use the Circle Line • Karen Saxby When I was 35, I was knee-deep in young children. I had no time for moisturisers, meditation or evening classes. Now I am 53, my sons hug me to their chests. I bathe in fruit oils by candlelight, stop the car to look at sunsets and am learning to play the saxophone.

When I was 35, I had fewer wrinkles but laughed less too. Now I am 53, I have much to smile about and don’t worry about crows’ feet (plural) because without glasses on I can’t see them anyway.

When I was 35, I wore crumpled pyjamas, didn’t sleep enough and the last thing I did at night was set the alarm clock. Now I am 53, I sleep naked - alive in my skin, and am woken by sunlight.

When I was 35, I was too busy to remember who EYE was. In a tug-of-war between family care and care-er opportunities, the ‘me’ in the middle faltered. Now I am 53, I am Centred. I understand most of my bits and how they piece together. I have neither need, nor desire, to re-jiggle them.

When I was 35, my body was probably less rusty on the inside but bore evident stress fractures on the outside, and was lagged in un-matching underwear. Now I am 53, my body is happy to swim a mile for me and do shoulder stands. Oh.. and I buy lingerie instead of bras and knickers.

When I was 35, I was bone-deep tired. Now I am 53, I go on rainforest walks, download rock music and have a Lover.

So will you kindly stop offering me your seat.

© Karen Saxby September 2005
karen.saxby@mac.com

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