"Will Grow Old" is a song written as an act of rebellion on behalf of marginalized older individuals. Many elderly people—fathers, mothers, grandparents, uncles—are often sidelined, with their care largely relegated to nursing homes. However, some continue to fight for their rights until the very end. This struggle begins the moment emergency services are called, and an individual's age becomes a determining factor in their treatment, reinforcing their marginalization. Age should never be a barrier to receiving assistance, as older individuals remain full of thoughts, emotions, and dignity.
Beyond advocating for elder rights, the song also serves as a protest against societal pressure to maintain youthfulness. It highlights the increasing prevalence of plastic surgery, particularly among professionals—such as actresses—who may feel forced to alter their appearance to remain employable. Ultimately, "Will Grow Old" amplifies the voices of those who feel overlooked, challenging the ageism deeply ingrained in society.
In addition to writing poetry, the creator of this project shares their work through videos and recitations, publishing them on the YouTube channel Srebrnasto paperje.
The project is part of the subtheme The Ecology of Language - Poetry and Environmental Action, Cultural Resilience - Literature as a force for social justic.
Author
Jelena Stojković Mirić
Jelena Stojković Mirić (1972, Loznica (Draginac) is a teacher of fine arts and works as a video editing specialist. She engages in writing poetry, prose, and painting, and her work is featured in anthologies and on literary websites. She collaborates with literary magazines and publishes her works on her blog Srebrnasto paperje, where she also recites on a YouTube channel of the same name. She has published an extensive poetry collection titled "Eliza has the heart of a man or silvery fluff." Her poems have been translated into Slovenian.Grandma of the girl Ema, who has the most beautiful smile. She lives in Belgrade.
