photo taken on Jan. 18, 2026
Wear a Red Hat with Blue Shoes
Inspired by Jenny Joseph’s poem “Be Warned.”
Yes, I am forty-something
I match blue shoes
with a red hat and a red dress.
Some say I am “too old” to learn new things
But I do it anyway
I dance, bang on drums
Hop on motorcycles
Go hiking at night.
Yes, I am “crazy.”
I travel and go to concerts alone
I thank all the people who said
“You should not”, but I did.
I want to celebrate life!
Celebrate the unfinished lives.
Of my friends who died young.
So, my friends
Let’s celebrate life!
Wear a red hat with blue shoes
Bang on a drum and dance!
May 21, 2005, Revised Jan. 18, 2026
© Karine Armen
