This is the fourth of Judith Viorsts books of poetry about crossing decades in ones life. Perhaps this one will become one of her most popular in the next 10 years as record numbers of baby boomers turn 50 every day. Although both women and men will find plenty that speaks to them, the book is very much in a womans voice and will resonate more powerfully with many female readers. Each poem deserves its own comment, but I would exceed my word quota if I did that.
Let me see if I can group them a bit for you. Some of the poems focus on how things have changed with age. "Wild Thing" is a good example, which lists a lot of things the author does when shes feeling wild -- like "I didnt bother flossing before bedtime." "Second Marriage" is the tale of a widow and widower whose family situations keep them from following their hearts. "To a Middle-Aged Friend Considering Adultery" advises the woman in question to give up the idea of a young male lover. It wont last and its not worth it.
She also finds plenty to be pleased about in being 50. In "Exercising Options," she skips all of the strenuous exercises in favor of floating on her back in a pool. In "Happiness," many simple blessings like good health turn out to be the most enduring sources of happiness.
Children are never far out of the picture. The brief joy of the empty nest quickly evaporates as they all return to stay (some with spouse or children in tow) in "Theyre Back." "How Can People Want to Bring Children into This Terrible World" is a poetic discussion with a daughter-in-law about the authors desire to have a grandchild. Theres always an edge of unsettled concern in these. For example, in "You Say You Want to Know How the Children Are Doing" is a litany of superficial updates on great numbers of children ending in the lament, "But what does it mean?" She has advice for her son in how to answer his wifes question about does he love her in "Some Advice from a Mother to Her Married Son."
Other poems are filled with hope and are forward looking. In "Before I Go," she tells how shed "like to make things better." She aspires to be a "Sexy Old Lady" in the poem by that name at 80 with "my sexy old husband nestled beside me in bed."
The books tone is perhaps best captured by "Pleasures of an Ordinary Life" in which she praises having "a long history and connections" with other people.
Judith Viorst is as gentle a guide as you can find into the land of the 50s. Youll enjoy your birthday and the decade more if you read and draw upon her wit and wisdom. Itll help you overcome your misconception stalls about whats next.
