XXXIII
I received an invitation
To join a brand new gym -
They promised me firm muscles
And a body toned and trim.
To become a proper member
You need considerable wealth;
But no matter - who can put
A price upon good health.
This was a high-tech gym
With gizmos and gadgets galore
And a personal trainer
To motivate and re-assure.
I tried a standard work-out
But realised very soon
That I had never spent
A more boring afternoon.
All I had to show
For a tedious hour or two
Was the return of an old ache
Plus one that was brand new.
So I took on a 10-rod allotment
And found to my surprise
That it provided every possible
Type of exercise.
Digging is a great workout
Though muscles might feel sore;
For the cardiovascular system
Try shovelling barrows of manure.
It provides fresh air and friendship
And after all your toil
At least you are rewarded
By something from the soil.
January 2007
