…………….Miss Maudene Redefines the 70′s
Julie Buffaloe-Yoder
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…………………………At seventy eight, Miss Maudene
…………………………doesn’t know how to do old lady.
…………………………She does know how to play
…………………………an electric guitar, jog around
…………………………her island, do yoga in the woods.
.
…………………………Miss Maudene laughs the notes
…………………………of a thousand songs; she dances
…………………………on the beach, layered in mist, sun,
…………………………the pounding passion of sand.
.
…………………………She leaves her silver hair undone
…………………………to the waist, takes her black lab
…………………………in a beat up pickup truck to visit
…………………………old folks at the nursing home.
.
…………………………She grows a little garden full of pot,
…………………………collects shotguns, sells her paintings
…………………………on the beach, rigs up her shrimp boat
…………………………in the setting sun, shows the boys how
…………………………to pull nets like a sea-strong woman.
.
…………………………Her biggest critics are friends
…………………………from her own generation;
…………………………they call all the time to say
…………………………she must slow down.
.
……………………………It just doesn’t look right
…………………………for a woman of her age
…………………………to show so much leg.
…………………………People may talk, guffaw,
…………………………whisper behind cupped hands,
…………………………call her a ridiculous old lady
…………………………with sagging boobs or a
…………………………birthday card cartoon.
.
…………………………Miss Maudene says her boobs
…………………………are just fine, thank you, and
…………………………she might even buy a bikini.
.
…………………………She lets the machine pick up
…………………………her telephone calls, surfs the net,
…………………………carries a longboard to the shore
…………………………to ride the deep green swells
…………………………when a hurricane is coming.
.
…………………………Miss Maudene grew up
…………………………in an orphanage.
…………………………Except for a few old nuns
…………………………who tried to beat her
…………………………into submission,
.
…………………………she never had a mother
…………………………to show her
…………………………how to put on a shawl
…………………………and gracefully
…………………………crawl to the grave.
.
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What a gorgeous portrait poem. Miss Maudene seems like a wonderful lady and the poem is beautifully and carefully made too. Is she a fiction?
Hi, Paul! I just looked at your site, and now I can’t wait to go back and look more closely. Wonderful work.
Thank you for your kind words. Yes, Miss Maudene is based on a real lady. She was beautiful. For some reason, the physical beauty freaked people out, because she didn’t fit the mold of what a senior citizen was “supposed” to look like. She could also run circles around most young people. I have always loved her dearly.
Thanks again & have a beautiful day. I’ll probably be at your place tonight:)
I love it! I do so hope I’ll be like Miss Maudene when I’m that young
)
Hey, Miss Kimberli! I think the same thing. I hope I’m that full of energy! Knowing me, I’ll be completely insane by then…ha! Thanks for dropping in:)
She had me with “yoga in the woods,” and then I really fell for her when I read about her pot garden. What a wonderful poem, Julie, so whimsical, yet earthy and real. I want to be Miss Maudene too, although I’m not so good on a longboard. I’ll have to substitute dancing merengue and reggaeton. Terrific!
Christine, you’re not going to believe this, but I thought of you after I wrote the yoga line…ha! No kidding. But I do love the longboards…old school & they’re much easier. At least they’re easier for me, because I’m a clutz.
Merengue and reggaeton. I would love to see that! Thanks much, Christine.
Oh GAWD Julie, that just made me laugh and applaud and cry at the end. Let’s do like Miss Maudene in a few years, ok?
You do know that you’re going to get more “boob” searches on Google now don’t you? lol
Oh thanks for giving me such a hearty laugh and cry!
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Hi, hysperia! I thought about the boob thing, too. HA HA! Maybe I should just write a book about boobs, since the world is fascinated by them. Yes, we will be Miss Maudene, and we’ll give ‘em hell! My daughter is probably having nightmares right now if she’s reading this…hee hee. I’ll be dancing down Main Street in a big, floppy hat with flowers in it. What am I talking about? I already act like that. Take care & thanks much! -Julie
Hi Julie – You really know how to build your characters out of blood and gristle – and Miss Maudene is certainly a character! I just hope that I will be able to ride into eternity on a longboard showing more leg than I should!
You are a fantastic storyteller (poetry and short story form). I have been enjoying your posts this past weekend. You are so skilled at character studies. Your writing reminds me of Bailey White’s, Fannie Flaggs, and Flannery O’Connor’s. Where’s your book?
Regards – K
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Hi, K! I’m your friend for life now, since you mention me and Flannery O in the same sentence. Ha! Ha! She’s my idol. The others are wonderful, too. I wish I could write like Flannery O’Connor, though. Too many people dismiss her now as “old school,” and that’s just wrong. She’s a master.
But I do appreciate and lap up the compliment like ice cream. Hopefully, I’ll have my act together enough to send the poetry book out in ’09. So I’m guessing it will come out when I’m dead. Ha! The novels maybe twenty years later, if I can get my hubby to photocopy them and draw a cover on a paper bag. It’s a tough career choice, huh?
But right now, I’m just having the time of my life meeting good and talented people like you. Thanks for your kindness & comments. -Julie
Dear Julie,
Eleanor and I are thrilled that you stopped by “This Side of Paradise” to say Hello, and also for your very kind words.
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We love your latest poem. How true a reflection of life — “Her biggest critics are friends from her own generation.” A beautiful line, indeed.
May your words continue to be inspired … and to inspire!
Geoff (with Eleanor looking over my shoulder)
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Hi, Geoff! Hi, Eleanor! I do love Eleanor’s advice. Yes, I had a good time looking around your place. I like being able to scroll down, but of course, the content is the best thing of all. Thanks so much for dropping in. I’ll definitely be back to see what’s new and catch up on everything I have missed. Lots of food for thought. -Julie
This is fabulous! I laughed, and I can relate to Ms. Maudene! I want to be your brazen Ms. Maudene, may I strive to be her as I age. I am glad I found you and am putting you on my blogroll if that is alright with you. Great stuff, can’t wait to read more.
Hi, Catherine! It’s so nice to meet you. Sure, it’s fine to link me. I will link you up, too. I just looked at your site, and it is beautiful. (I tend to like to look, absorb it all in, then go back and comment).
Hell, yeah…we can all be Miss Maudene! Ha! Wouldn’t that be great? A world full of beautiful, self assured older women. Dare to dream. I actually look forward to getting old, except for the aches and pains part. I think about how much I have grown in the past twenty years, and I look forward to what the future holds.
Thanks so much, Catherine. I’ll be at your house soon…snooping around:) Take care.
Hi Julie,
Wandered over here from Jo’s blog. Beautiful portrait! I’d love to be Miss Maude too. The last stanza is so powerful.
Hi, Odessa! Yes, I’m always drooling all over Jo’s poems. She’s amazing! Are you the lady who moved to San Francisco last spring? Please excuse me if I’m mixing you up with someone else. I tend to be scatter brained. I’ll go over to your site and get better acquainted! I love what I see up there now.
And thank you for your kind words. I appreciate it much.
As others have already noted this is a fun and lovely poem. How interesting that we all want to become Miss Maudene. What’s stopping us from being her now?
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What a great point, Brigindo. What’s stopping us from being her now? I’m sort of going through some things in my life right now that are leading me to some scary decisions. The Maudene part of me is thinking “Go for it!” Then there’s the part of me that is afraid of making a bad decision. So your words have really hit home with me this morning! I hope I do the Maudene thing, because life is so short, and I think it will be exciting. Thanks so much for dropping in and for the interesting comments, as always:) -Julie
This was so much fun! It reminded me of a book I read as a kid, called “oldemor rock” (great grandmother rock) where the character in question had more energy and exciting ideas than the eight year old kid. I loved it! I got up early this morning to do yoga, but as my knees are complaining I’ve opted for tea, biscuits and on-line poetry, practicing graceful aging. I promise to pick up my yoga practice tomorrow! What you don’t use you loose…
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Hi, Annette! Thanks for making me laugh this morning. I still haven’t done those crunches yet…ha! ha! I’m a big fan of children’s lit, so now I really want to read “oldemor rock.” The story sort of rings a distant bell. I’m wondering if I read it as a kid, but I don’t think so. I’ll definitely have to look it up. Thanks much! -Julie
Absolutely fabulous poem, Julie, you’ve pulled it out the bag again. Hats off to you.
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Thanks, Jo! You know I am a huge fan of your work, so your comment is especially great to hear. So good to see you, as always! -Julie
Have to add that the mother of a friend of mine has a cousin who started doing a PhD in history at the age of 70. Having finished it though, she is not sure she will take up teaching…
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That’s another great point. Your friend’s mother sounds great! I would love to know her. I’ve heard stories like that where people go back to school, take up a profession, or get into the arts at an older age. I love Grandma Moses’ work. Older people have so much to offer (and teach us) and are such a vital part of society. Thanks again! -Julie
Hey Mom,
Great poem!
Not to get off topic, but your comment about “a society of self assured older women” got me thinking about a book I recently finished reading. “Our Posthuman Future” by Francis Fukuyama discusses the social, philosophical and political ramifications of biotechnology. In part of the book, he talks about how given the current life expectancy rates and medical technology that is already in existence, in the next 50-100 years the largest demographic in the US will be older women. It’s interesting to consider how that shift in population will effect how our society operates.
I guess I will be part of that older woman population, so I’m going to try my best to be like Miss Maudene!
Hi, Amber! You know I love your discussions. That sounds like an interesting book. Now I want to read it. Women tend to be built for the long haul, so that makes sense.
I wonder if the negative stereotypes about older people will change if older women become the majority? Or will older women swallow the stereotypes?
Many already have. I can’t begin to count the number of times my older relatives have told me I was supposed to cut my hair short after 35. They say I look too “girlish.” Is there some kind of freaking short hair rule or something? I guess we’re supposed to turn 30 and turn into grannies. I never got the stretchy pants memo, either. Sheesh… So I guess, in that sense, I’m already like Maudene…ha!
Sometimes, the stereotype is perpetuated by the person who is being stereotyped, which boggles my mind!
Very, very interesting topic, Amber. Thanks for bringing it up. As always, it’s wonderful to see you here:)
You have a gift.
Poetry Heals
Sometimes I must bow
Before the people who come
With me on this trail.
I discover words
I never thought, lives not mine,
Truths I can’t say
By myself, not even now
That I know you said them first.
If poetry heals
Then we need all we can get -
That’s how rich it feels.
Thank you very much, Christopher. It’s nice to meet you and read your beautiful words. I think that’s the first time anyone has ever left a poem to express a comment, and it’s quite welcome. The “healing” is so true. Thanks again for your thoughtful comment.
been away a bit–applause for this–this is a classic julie!
Thank you, Scot. It’s great to see you. And you know how much I love your work. I’m still tasting the last persimmons on the tree. Beautiful.
thanks julie–
and the dead mule would love this
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Oops…I got my comments out of order, Scot. Yours is below:)
i am often surprised at how few people share my opinion that silver hair cascading down a woman’s back is a beautiful and glorious thing. but then, i don’t think there is much that is more beautiful than strength – and that kind of beauty nearly leaps off the screen on this one. fantastic.
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Hi, Joaquin. Thanks so much for your kind comments. I agree with you about hair! I’m guessing the short hair on older women is a throwback to the days when hair was worn up? Or maybe it was just the style they often remember. I have nothing against short hair…ha! I guess I just get annoyed when people try to define what a person “should” do. But I agree with you. I think long, silver hair is beautiful!
Hey, I just looked at your site. A poem every Thursday! That’s awesome. I’ll get over there and look some more. It’s nice to meet you. -Julie
I’ve been wanting to send the Dead Mule something for at least a year now, Scot. But I’ve been too chicken. If they rejected me, I would be crushed. Ha! How stupid is that? If any other journal rejects me, I don’t get upset. But if a journal with “mule” and “Southern” in the title rejects me, I’ll be crushed. But thanks. I’ll see if I can’t get them something soon, crushed or not. Your work in there is sheer excellence! Seriously. I’ve read it about a hundred times:)
you should not be chicken–you are outstanding–I have three more in december–i am just ok–do it I said so–use your fish/liars club bio–it is a hoot and what they want something linked to the south
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Thanks, Scot. I will definitely send them something, especially since you said so:) But I have to say…you’re not “just okay.” You’re one of the best I’ve read on the net. And I ain’t just trying to be nice! The fishhouse liars club…ha! ha! I will use that. Thanks again for the encouragement! Let us know when your new ones are up there. -Julie
Another great poem Julie. I love the way you give us her story in the last stanza — a real surprise, real artistry.
Thanks, Nathan! I really appreciate it. How did your reading go? I’ll head to your place today and the POCO to see if you mention it. I would like to have been there. Take care & have a good one.
The 70′s gave us alot of freedom – One of the biggest freedoms we aquired was to think for ourselves – to speak for ourselves and to do like Maudene – live life as we see it — on this side of the grave —
Very nice -
Thank you, Barbara. That’s such a good way to put it. Living life as we see it–on this side of the grave. It makes so much sense. I’m going to try to remember that when I start to worry about the petty things of life. Just be free and live a good life, right?
thank you for reading my interview and for thinking i seem like a nice guy.
Hi, Barry. I ordered your book, too. I meant to go back and tell everybody I ordered, then I got distracted by a shiny object:)
Yes, you seem like a really nice guy. That’s the first thing that struck me. I think what you said about the future of chapbooks is right on. I also am very interested in your work. What I’ve seen is awesome. I can’t do flash (obviously…I can’t even shut up in a comment), but I love to read good flash. They called it “sudden fiction” in the 90′s when I was a little dinosaur.
Are y’all wondering if I’m talking to the voices in my head again? Ha! Click on Barry’s link and check it out. And also click on Scot’s link above and read his interview. Great stuff.
Thanks for dropping in, Barry. I can’t wait to get the book.
There’s much to be said for growing old disgracefully. This says it really well, Julie. May we all have so secure a sense of self when the time comes!
Thank you very much, Dick. I agree. That’s a great point.
If we are secure in ourselves, the actual process of dying might be (maybe?) a bit easier, too. I’m guessing not having big regrets makes dying easier. It might be easier to let go if a person has lived life to the fullest, taken chances, and loved other human beings.
At least that’s my assumption, though I haven’t gotten old yet, and I haven’t died. Thank goodness! I’m getting creepy again today…ha! Thanks so much for dropping in.
Hehe…”doesn’t know how to do old lady” …ROCK ON Sister Maudene!! I want to be that way…hell, I’m not that way even at 35! I want to know this woman. I want to hang out with her, go surfing, make use of her garden with her…Shit, I even want to know this woman’s dog!
And we’ll both go around in our bikinis with our boobs and asses “hanging out in the yard” (a term my dad uses for people not “in” their clothes)…hehe!
Incredible as always. Damnit, you better start submitting manuscripts or I’m gonna have to kick your ass! (don’t make me do it…Althea might show up
okay, just kidding…no pressure…but you should!
Holly, you have just cheered me up so much! It has been the most rotten, stinking week, and now I’m rolling on the floor laughing. Thank you so much for that!
My Dad used to say the same thing about hanging out in the yard. Ha! Ha! Maybe there’s a Southern Daddy club or something. They get together and exchange stuff to say to their daughters. Of course, he also loved to say, “Do I look like Rockefeller?”
Thank you, Holly! You brightened my day. I have three submissions out right now, and I do plan on getting some more out there. And you, too!! Talk soon:)
Came back for another read. Thanks for the words, Julie.
Geoff (& Eleanor)
Hi, Geoff & Eleanor. I’m so glad you came back. I’ll be back at your place, too. Unfortunately, today the world was too much with me. But I’m hoping to do some reading tomorrow and Saturday. Thanks again.
I’m loving the fourth stanza like crazy.
I want to collect shotguns, too, and live near the sea. Oh, such fantasies! And the “show so much leg” line — what a hoot! K. (in her comment above) is spot on about your skill in character development in your poetry and prose. You bring them (characters) not merely to life, but in very close proximity to readers.
p.s. Let me just pipe in (re: your reply to Joaquin) — long live long hair!
Thank you so much, S.L.! You know how I love your work. There’s just something about long hair, huh? Maybe it’s because of the older women I’ve known who had long hair. I just loved it. They usually kept it up in a bun during the day and brushed it out at night. But there was one lady who didn’t, and she was also the inspiration for this poem.
Thanks so much for dropping in! I’ve been offline a bit for the past couple of days but will return shortly to check out everyone’s work. I can’t wait to read all the new poems.
Julie, I haven’t heard the Rockefeller thing, but my dad, who has only a few hairs left, always asks me if he looks “pretty” or “Does my hair look pretty?” I always tel him yes. Yes, silly dads are ADORABLE.
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That’s a good one, Holly! I can just imagine him saying it. It’s a hoot, and now I know where you get your sense of humor:) -Julie
very well drawn character and great role model you’ve shown us there
Hi Julie,
I like this one too. A fun defiant old woman we need more of them around, besides at least it would give the young someone to aspire to. lol
How many of us had run across the Miss Maudenes of the world. When most of us could just only hope that we don’t become cantankerous in our own old age.
Great sense of feel and images of her and her island, I can see her doing yoga through the trees.
Would you mind joining my blogroll?
Hi, George. Sure, I’d be glad to join your blogroll. You have a beautiful site. I was thinking about Miss Maudene when I read your poem about the lady in scarlet. Thanks for dropping in. We’ll talk more, I’m sure!
You have made her so real, so full of piss and vinegar, I’m dying to meet her!