A MAY VISIT TO BOMBAY

                                                                        XLI

A summer visit to Bombay
Is a hot and steamy event
85 deg. at sunrise
With humidity at 90%

It's said that ladies glow,
Men perspire and horses sweat,
But it's hard to feel ladylike
When you're wringing wet...

And the "glow" is running
Down your back and chest,
The heat saps your energy
And robs you of your zest.

Dewy beads of moisture
Form upon your face,
They link up with their neighbours
And together they race ...

Down your cheek and neck
Like a little rivulet
A tiny tumbling stream
Of swiftly flowing sweat.

Every cloud has a silver lining
So it is with Bombay's heat
As a smoother-out of wrinkles
The climate is hard to beat.

Fruit and flowers are compensations,
And though I feel a sodden wreck,
I can't remember when I last had
Such a smooth and unlined neck!



30,5,92
Written at Sahar Airport - the airconditioning had failed
 and there were no fans.  Making up this verse helped
pass a long uncomfortable night.

YOUTH IS WASTED ON THE YOUNG

                                                                        XL

The young take health for granted
And don't appreciate
Muscles that do not tire
And joints that do not ache.

They do not even know they have
Blood pressure or a heart,
Their bodies do just what they should -
Every single part.

To perfect sight and hearing
They never give a thought -
And know that their digestion
Will act just as it ought.

They don't realise how lucky they are
To just pick up a paper and read
Without the search for glasses
That we mature folk need.

Their hair is bright and glossy,
Their skin unlined and clear,
Although a tiny little spot
Occasionally may appear.

Youngsters are not grateful for
Fitness in limb and lung.
Isn't it a pity youth
Is wasted on the young.

Revised 1995