The Big Issue Seller (113)

 

                                

 

                              The Big Issue Seller

 

It’s very satisfying

To lie tucked up in bed

While rain buffets the window

Inches from my head.

 

The seller of the Big Issue

I spoke to the other day

Was looking forward to winter shelters

So that he could stay …

 

Out of the cold and rain and wind

(Like most of us)

Instead of spending night after night

On a seat in an all-night bus.

 

Without dependents or addictions

It’s hard to get on a housing list.

It must be tempting to go and get

Completely stoned  and  … drunk.

 

 

October 2012

                                 

I LOVE MY LINES AND WRINKLES

 

 I love my lines and wrinkles,

They took decades to acquire.

They show wisdom and maturity -

To which we all aspire.

 

I regard them as trophies

Of good times and bad

When life was full of happiness  -

And when life was sad.

 

So why should anybody pay

An exorbitant amount

To try and airbrush out the past

As if it didn’t count?

 

Nip-and-tuck – face lift ..

These simple words can cover

Side effects from which it can

Take ages to recover.

 

And when folk keep staring,

They’re not admiring you

But wondering why you don’t look

As you used to do.

 

A tight expressionless face

When you’re 70-plus is bizarre,

So let us leave our lines and wrinkles

Just the way they are.

 

 

 

9.11.12

To J. – with love

 

 

BECAUSE I'M WORTH IT

BECAUSE  I’M WORTH  IT …  

Last week at the Dentist’s Surgery

I picked up a glossy beauty mag.

It told me what I should do

When I started to sag.

 

Don’t bother with diets and gyms, it said

Go straight for the surgeon’s knife

Your youthful looks will help you cope

With modern competitive life.

 

A simple face lift is so common

Everyone has one in this day.

It removes all lines and wrinkles –

The years just fall away.

 

Farewell drooping bosom;

Implants will enlarge and lift your bust,

Liposuction reduces spare tyres –

Well that’s an absolute must.

 

A botox jab may be toxic, but

Signs of age vanish without pain,

However, if the dose is wrong

You may never smile or frown again.

 

The whole works cost an arm and a leg

More than a luxury cruise,

But you know you are worth it,

So treat yourself, you can’t lose.

 

I’m solvent!  I’ve paid my debts

I’m beginning to forget all the pain,

So now I’m told to start saving

To do it again – and again.       September 2002