the Beauty of Age
page 1 of 3
contents
of issue 73/74
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"Physical beauty is passing," says Blanche duBois, slapping
on another layer of pancake under a very dim light bulb as she pouts at
Marlon Brando in the old favourite, A Streetcar Named Desire. "A
transitory possession...But beauty of the mind and richness of spirit
...aren't taken away." Who among us over the age of 40 hasn't thought
much the same, even if they can't quite remember the rest of the quote?
She's probably right of course, it is the inner beauty that counts rather
than the chiselled features of those shallow young men in the 'health'
magazines. (Please God, if there's any justice in the world let them be
shallow). But let's face it, beauty of the mind still isn't the kind of
beauty that targets you a shag or counts for much of the gay scene and
probably not on any other scene either, come to that - as poor dear Blanche
found out. These are shallow times and, if the truth be known, I've probably
done as much as the next man to appreciate that. Meanwhile the plug-hole
in the bath is bunged up with what's left of my hair and both my waistline
and IQ are showing an uncanny similarity. Now, if across a crowded room,
a young man points to me and confidently asserts: "That's him, that's
the one!" I just know I must be in a police ID parade. It was ever
thus.
"Anyway you have other things to offer," I am
confidently assured by friends.
"...and these might be?"
