Description
Of course, the word is applicable.
Yet, I don't like it especially when applied to me.
Is it because there are three syllables and so many letters?
Why do I prefer the one syllable three letter version?
Somehow that one doesn't sound well, quite so descriptive.
The three syllable version denotes a degree of incompetence, fraility, possibly both mentally and physically.
The shorter version is blunt and in my esteem, far more descriptive.
I think it is applicable to more than people, but also things or possessions.
It reflectes more than age, but a degree of worth, possibly treasure.
The other longer adjective implies someone or something ready to be discarded.
And yes, I readily admit that both versions could be used equally to describe me.
Yet, while I know I am definitely old, and have been for a while now, I would like to hope there is still some small ability left for enhancing the world I share. I know the appearance of old can be tarnished or perhaps a bit faded, and I admit to all of that. Yet somehow I don't find the description offensive, merely realistic.
Yet, elderly evokes something or someone who has lost all worth in the eyes of the beholder. Possibly ready to be dispensed with. And I am unrealistically offended when I am described by that verbiage.
And since we are being totally and absolutely honest, I do admit, it was ever so much nicer when I didn't fall into either of those categories. Young, lithe, and just on a very, very, very rare occasion, lovely sounded so much kinder.
But that was ever so long ago,. and it's about time I admit that.
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