Saudade

This week, we're unraveling the sentimental journey behind the word 'nostalgia'. Join Susie and Gyles on a linguistic journey through time, where every word is a portal to the past. Enjoy Susie’s Trio for the week: Desiderate: To yearn for something one once had but has now lost. Listicle: Simply, a little list! Natsukashii: A Japanese word used when something evokes a fond memory from your past and that is enough in itself. Gyles' poem this week was 'Growing Old ' by Nanette Newman:       Growing old is like a career only a career you didn’t train for you didn’t expect and you certainly didn’t want. This ‘new’ career – creeps up on you And surprises you.      For instance You find yourself saying new lines, like ‘Everything looks a bit blurry’ ‘Why do my legs hurt me?’ ‘Why do my arms have flabby bits?’ ‘Why can’t I run any more?’ ‘Why do people speak so quietly?’ ‘Why is my iPad such a mystery?’ (even though my six-year-old Grandson has shown me how to work it ‘ten’ times) And ‘why do people hide my house keys?’      Also you suppose this New career (Growing Old) is going to Have a long run, but Showbusiness being what it is It could come to a sudden end (but perhaps best not to think about that).      Anyway - if it does run - You hope the notices are ‘good’ Critics might say ‘you look good for your age’ But - this is not the role you’d chosen to play. Anyway it seems you’re stuck with it And let's face it you have been rehearsing for it for many years!      When you think about it  There’s a bit of ‘Agatha Christie’ about This new part - for instance Skirts hanging in the wardrobe Suddenly get smaller Round the waist - Something mysterious changes The colour of your hair Chairs try and hold on to you - so that You can’t get out of them      Why is print smaller? Why do you look forward to a hot water bottle at night? (that’s definitely climate change) Also, what is filling your body with liquid – So that you have to pee all night? (This definitely needs more research).      Your new career ‘Being Old’ Has a long list of questions Surrounding it - to be Honest – the part is not Really very well written – And doesn’t have much Appeal – ( no wonder Judi Dench turned it down).      You ask yourself Is the character you Are now going to play Wiser? – no – I don’t think so Funnier? Only unintentionally Like – when you forget Where you’re going – or Throw your arms round The plumber, because You thought he was your Friend's husband, come Round because he’d Found your glasses.      Anyway, how long you’ll be Playing this part (You don’t want to play) You’ve no idea.      You don’t feel the Rehearsals have been ‘long enough’.      Some of the cast (the even older members Have already left the Production) –       You miss them. So – this is a step into the unknown in your ‘new career’ a new part to play.      Will it have a ‘long run’? Who knows But there you go ‘That’s Showbusiness’ So – Here we are. A Sony Music Entertainment production.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices