Looking back at when we were young (men), if we gauge honestly our attractiveness to other people, we realize we fell somewhere between Brad Pitt and Wilford Brimley. Actually, I liked Wilford better. But - with that said, we can now remember our youth any way we want and who’s left to call us wrong?

Lately, though, I’ve noticed a trend I don’t like very much. I think when you turn 80 (or thereabouts) you become invisible to a certain younger segment of society.

Now that I finally have some disposable funds to splurge a bit, some bartenders and clerks seem to have myopia where I’m concerned. I was up north recently with some of my younger golfing friends and we were at a nice place having some libations. I sat for 20 minutes with an empty glass trying to get the barmaid’s attention. Invisible! A younger friend got her attention.

I’ve been in stores at the mall and can’t find a clerk to take my money. Is it the wrinkles and the limp?

Other older friends have told the same story. Take your good-looking grandson in to buy him some school supplies and the young clerks are more than happy to help - him! I’m standing there thinking, “Hey Ditz! I’m the one with the money.”

My wife says she’s had the similar experiences, so I guess it’s not a gender thing. It’s culture shock! You aren’t part of the relevant culture anymore.

Is there a TV rating for over 80? Obviously not! It’s darn well time we asserted our rights to good service, decent TV shows, respect for our values and become visible again. I’m still here! Don’t ignore me if you’re in business. I still have value.

The poem, called “Look At Me,” is a little more abrupt in its content, but it does allow me to vent. Sorry - I needed to say this.

“Look At Me”

Don’t you dare ignore my being; walk on by as though not seeing.

Look at me and see my wrinkles, how my forehead kind of crinkles.

See these careful steps I’m taking - that’s to keep my bones from breaking.

Have the courtesy to greet me and act though you’re glad to meet me.

In my youth you’d always see me; smiled and postured so to tease me.

Then as years became too many, I became your dirty penny.

Now you see my sagging muscle and away you quickly hustle.

Once you saw me as your Todo, now your eyes see Quasimodo.

I’m so sorry that my aging keeps your hormones from engaging.

I’m not looking for a fast fling, I just want to buy my something.

If you serve me with some kindness, I won’t treat you like you’re mindless.

Once they venerated “older,” now they give us the cold shoulder.

When the leaders we elect treat their foes with disrespect.

How are kids to ever know, that is not the way to go.

Life has now a kind of crudeness bolstered by this innate rudeness.

So, look, dear server, look at me, and look not like you want to flee,

Rid yourself of that coarse rancor that has been your nature’s anchor.

Swallow that vanity, and when I buy, you ‘LOOK AT ME!’

Joke: Little Johnny’s family was having Sunday dinner at Grandma’s house. When the food was served Johnny grabbed his fork and immediately started eating. Johnny’s mom was appalled. She yelled at him to stop and observe the prayer before eating. He told her he didn’t need to pray, so she asked why. Johnny answered, “That’s at OUR house. We’re at Grandma’s house now and she knows how to cook.”

Historical Tidbit:

George Washington was fine on the morning of Dec. 13, 1799. But, he got caught outside while he was working when rain and sleet came down- but he kept working. He came in, but at 1 p.m. he had chills, nausea and fever. The next morning three doctors were summoned to help, but that night he told wife, Martha he thought he was dying so to fetch two wills he had prepared. He told her which to destroy and which to keep. When she left his room, she had only one will. That will left nearly everything to ... Martha! The rest of us will always have to wonder: Did she destroy the one he told her to? What would you have done?

See ya next time. JDF