what does this poem mean?

Question

Miss Rosie
When I watch you
wrapped up like garbage
sitting, surrounded by the smell
of too old potato peels
or
when I watch you

in your old man's shoes
with the little toe cut out
sitting, waiting for your mind
like next week's grocery
I say
when I watch you
you wet brown bag of a woman
who used to be the best looking gal in Georgia
used to be called the Georgia Rose
I stand up
through your destruction
I stand up

Lucille Clifton

Answer 1

My interpretation would be it's about getting old. The narrator is describing a woman, who used to be a great beauty, but who now suffers from the ravages of old age. In some ways it seems critical of Miss Rosie, but the last few lines suggest that she is actually honouring Miss Rosie's life ("I stand up").

Answer 2

i agree with the first answer