Chins Up!

Posted on Jan 24, 2023 by TanGental

Driven indoors by another cold day, and having had enough of filming the cats, I thought I needed cheering up.

This happened… A poem…

The calendar is full of tricks

As it says, somehow, I’m sixty-six.

In what world could this be true

When inside I still pass for thirty-two?

Or nineteen, when choosing clothing

And friends ask ‘are you joking?’

How can we fix our real age

And not that writ on Life’s Cruel Page?

It seems after some consideration

And not a little perspiration

We will all be so much younger

And embrace life with youthful hunger

If:

We ignore unwonted criticism

And retain a natural optimism

Keeping a keen outlook

When not buried in a book.

We walk briskly

And remain frisky

Taking inspiration

To avoid constipation

Rising with the lark

We shall not fear the dark,

Speak up, don’t mumble

And please try not to grumble.

If inclined to say

‘In my day’

Bat that errant thought away.

Exercise to maximum capacity

Even as you lose elasticity.

Clean your teeth, keep up the grooming

Even as Time’s Arrow’s looming.

And when I’m oppressed by everyday life

And feel it’s too much toil and strife

I’ll turn to my sagacious wife,

Who’ll say, ‘Chin up, life’s no bummer,

‘Before you know it, it’ll be summer.’

Dog knows summer is in here somewhere…

About TanGental

My name is Geoff Le Pard. Once I was a lawyer; now I am a writer. I've published several books: a four book series following Harry Spittle as he grows from hapless student to hapless partner in a London law firm; four others in different genres; a book of poetry; four anthologies of short fiction; and a memoir of my mother. I have several more in the pipeline. I have been blogging regularly since 2014, on topic as diverse as: poetry based on famous poems; memories from my life; my garden; my dog; a whole variety of short fiction; my attempts at baking and food; travel and the consequent disasters; theatre, film and book reviews; and the occasional thought piece. Mostly it is whatever takes my fancy. I avoid politics, mostly, and religion, always. I don't mean to upset anyone but if I do, well, sorry and I suggest you go elsewhere. These are my thoughts and no one else is to blame. If you want to nab anything I post, please acknowledge where it came from.
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43 Responses to Chins Up!

  1. joylennick says:
    Jan 24, 2023 at 10:26 am

    Liked the poem Geoff. Being many years older, mine will take a little time to compose…Here’s to another good year. xx

    Liked by 2 people

  2. Steve says:
    Jan 24, 2023 at 10:34 am

    Seasonal and cheery! What more could we ask.

    Liked by 2 people

  3. Pam Lazos says:
    Jan 24, 2023 at 11:01 am

    A lively review of your current predicament, Geoff. As I prepare for my 2-hour commute into the city 🏙️ me thinks you have forgotten the part about doing what you want when you want to in your ode to aging. You even have time to make cat videos now.😂

    Liked by 2 people

  4. Amy says:
    Jan 24, 2023 at 11:54 am

    Great poem! Very helpful for me to read that on this blustery morning. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Peter's pondering says:
    Jan 24, 2023 at 12:14 pm

    You are obviously aching to get into the garden. As for me, I’m just aching!

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Annette Rochelle Aben says:
    Jan 24, 2023 at 12:58 pm

    I’m betting on Dog!

    Liked by 1 person

  7. John W. Howell says:
    Jan 24, 2023 at 1:47 pm

    Sooner or later summer comes. Love the plural title of this piece.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. noelleg44 says:
    Jan 24, 2023 at 2:37 pm

    A poem for my age would take years to compose. You’re a youngster, Geoff. Glad you balance the cats with Dog!

    Liked by 1 person

  9. derrickjknight says:
    Jan 24, 2023 at 3:21 pm

    Not bad for a whippersnapper

    Liked by 2 people

  10. L.K. Latham says:
    Jan 24, 2023 at 5:22 pm

    Nothing like fun to start the day! Thanks you.

    Liked by 1 person

  11. willowdot21 says:
    Jan 24, 2023 at 8:51 pm

    Excellent 💜

    Liked by 1 person

  12. tootlepedal says:
    Jan 24, 2023 at 9:04 pm

    A very fine poem. Quite right, though of course you are still a bit young to have these thoughts.

    Liked by 1 person

  13. Bridgette says:
    Jan 24, 2023 at 9:21 pm

    Such perfect advice! Love it.

    Liked by 1 person

  14. cathkalcolor says:
    Jan 24, 2023 at 10:27 pm

    Isn’t that the truth….always half the age on the inside and just on the cusp of thirty. Would we really want to endure some of those years again though? Great poem!!

    Liked by 1 person

  15. JT Twissel says:
    Jan 24, 2023 at 11:26 pm

    “When I tire of filming cats” sounds like play by Oscar Wilde about dealing with royalty! Quite amusing.

    Liked by 1 person

  16. arlingwoman says:
    Jan 25, 2023 at 5:00 am

    I feel like I might be 27. Inside. Outside I’m … not. But it is shocking to be aware that people see me and see an older person when I’m…27. It’s good to be aware of that. Of course, I do know more than I did then and I don’t have to commute anywhere. Nice. Did you have the faucet on for the cat to drink or to keep pipes from freezing?

    Liked by 1 person

  17. V.M.Sang says:
    Jan 25, 2023 at 10:59 am

    Wonderful poem. I think I’ll follow that advice.

    Liked by 1 person

  18. Roberta Writes says:
    Jan 31, 2023 at 3:44 pm

    Your wife is very wise, Geogg, and 66 is hardly old. Now, 86 … that’s getting on a bit.

    Liked by 1 person

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