Poetry

Jenny Joseph's poem "Warning" is a celebrated work of literature that has inspired countless people around the world. Originally published in 1961, the poem is a witty and playful take on growing old and refusing to conform to societal expectations.

The poem begins with the iconic lines, "When I am an old woman I shall wear purple / With a red hat which doesn't go, and doesn't suit me." These lines immediately capture the imagination, conjuring up an image of a feisty, rebellious old woman who is unafraid to stand out from the crowd.

As the poem continues, Jenny Joseph describes all the other unconventional things she plans to do when she is older, from eating "sauce and garlic in my meals" to "spending [her] pension on brandy and summer gloves". The poem is filled with humor and a sense of playfulness, but it also has a deeper message about the importance of living life on one's own terms, rather than conforming to society's expectations.

"Warning" has resonated with readers of all ages, but it has become particularly popular among older people who identify with its message of embracing life and refusing to be held back by age or convention. In fact, the poem has even inspired the creation of "Red Hat Societies" around the world, where older women come together to celebrate their independence and zest for life.

Jenny Joseph's "Warning" is a timeless work of literature that continues to inspire people today. Its message of living life on one's own terms is as relevant now as it was when the poem was first published, and its playful, irreverent spirit is something we can all aspire to emulate.

Warning - by Jenny Joseph.