OLD AGE IS NOT FOR THE FAINT HEARTED

                                                                     109

When I woke up this morning
I thought of all I had to do -
Meals to cook - dishes to wash
Hoovering and dusting too.

The garden needs attention
And I must mow the lawn.
My allotment is full of weeds -
Neglected and forlorn.

As I lay there worrying
About my long work list,
I remembered an appointment
That could not be missed.

I was due to call on a dear friend
And despite our difference in years
With kindred spirit friendships
The age gap completely disappears.

Our discussions used to range
Over every subject 'neath the sun
And we leapt with ease from one topic
To another one.

My friend is now physically frail,
But her mind is sharp as a pin,
So she knows all too well
The state that she is in.

She's aware of the need for a hoist
And sleeping in a bed with rails,
Waiting to be taken to the toilet -
And the problem that entails.

She hears the concealed impatience -
The patronising voice,
Rubbish TV runs constantly
But she has no choice.

So when I think of all the work
That is waiting for me,
I remind myself to be grateful
That I can drive and walk and see.

To B.N.
April 2012