Close Encounters of the Third Age

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R._N._Taber

Here's another post from the archives of my gay-interest blog, yet another I had to choose where to post given that we are, each and every one of us, only human, whatever our gender, sexuality or socio-cultural background.

The Third Age - or Old Age as many if not most people call it - is whatever we choose to call and make of it; for many, it is an opportunity to make time for people and / or pastimes that - for whatever reasons - we have either neglected or turned a blind eye/ deaf ear to in the past. Consequently, the human spirit undergoes a transformation, a rejuvenation of sorts for looking forward instead of back all the time; the past cannot be reclaimed, and we need to motivate ourselves for the years ahead, no matter that time is no longer on our side.

A gay friend, growing old(er) like me, once commented with some bitterness that he probably would not be on his own in the winter of his years if he wasn’t gay. ‘Gay relationships are so fragile,’ he said.

That's not only 'loser' talk, it's simply not true. It can be true, yes, but only if we let it.

True, many people find themselves on their own as they get old(er). Some relationships are too fragile to stand the test of time, but that has more to do with people not working at them than their sexuality. (Far too many people take their partners for granted.)  Sadly, some partners die while others fade away into a mist of wishful thinking. No one has to be lonely. There are organisation to join, new people to meet, and if you cannot get out and about easily, there are lots of friends to be made on the Internet. (Don't know how to use the Internet? There are classes for all ages in most areas. Do not own a computer or tablet, whatever?  Here in the UK, most public libraries offer free computer access, and it costs nothing to join or use a public access computer; usually, you only pay for any printouts you may want to take home.

Whatever, the Human Spirit (in all its various shapes and forms) will be a good companion for life if we but let it. Moreover, gay or straight, male or female, we are never too old for romance, and never let anyone tell you differently. The way some people pour scorn on relationships between old(er) people where clearly more than just platonic makes me so angry. Take no notice. They are just jealous. (Okay, sex isn’t everything, but nice work if you can get it…)

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD AGE

Clouds broke,

made us run for shelter

in a shop doorway;

you spoke first,

but I didn’t catch a word

for wind and rain

I could but trust

my smile would convey

all I wanted to say

as you closed in,

put your mouth to an ear

straining to hear

Breath on my face

sweeter than a love poem,

and I was smitten,

half-forgotten

dreams of youth returning

my embrace

A dull, grey, day,

bringing people together,

no matter we’re gay

or past our prime

for the Rainmaker doesn’t

give a damn

Copyright R. N. Taber 2011