When I met with friends a few years ago
We’d have some food, take in a show
Listen to music, have so much fun.
These days, while finances are more reliable
It’s our bodies that aren’t so pliable
And only our noses that are inclined to run.
Our feet, no friends, are there to spite us
Unwilling to bend now they’ve found arthritis.
Our knees, once smooth and nicely curved
Are inclined to grate and look absurd.
From our hips, once hung two pert glutes
Now they sag like compostable fruits.
We have a pact; we never speak
Of why our stomachs are nearer our feet.
And just when you think ‘That’s enough,’
Someone will say, ‘My liver’s been rough.’
‘Just your liver,’ another will scoff
And with that, once more, we are off
To analyse our every function
In gory detail, with no compunction,
For those, much younger, who get an earful
And realise – and this will make them tearful –
That in time, all get togethers become this frightful
As the only music is an organ recital.
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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.
TanGental 
You poor old chap
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You don’t need to remind me I am older than you…been there done that and got the T shirt.☀️
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A warrior breed you girls
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A warrior breed….the jury is out? But I like being referred to as one of the girls…
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Haha, Geoff. Something for me to look forward too.
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Sure is
.but at least I’m here to enjoy it!
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A tip Geoff. Arthritis ? Get rid of it by putting a tablespoon of good cider vinegar in cooled, boiled water with honey to taste after meals. Husband is nearly 95 and swears by it. (living in Spain helps too… ) Cheers.
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My mum swore by it too. Plus raw ginger
Thanks Joy. I’ll take the medication but Spain is all yours thanks.
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I know. Not that I complain…
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Some of us don’t even have…..No, I wouldn’t dream of writing that!
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Nothing like a gathering of old folks … my husband is a bit older than me and the last time we met with his old college buddies in a posh French restaurant I was affeared they were going to kick our forgetful, loud butts outta there! One of them is wealthy enough to overlook the fact that he’s quite deaf (and won’t wear an ear thingie) but I sure did feel sorry for the waitress!
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It can be a challenge dealing with the entitled ancients
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my mum swore by cod liver oil and turmeric for arthritis. For a few years now I have tried that combo, now I’m not sure if mum was talking about keeping herself regular….
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Ha! No yet a problem here so maybe I’ll avoid for now
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At 81, I hate hearing about aging problems from my peers. I try to remind them that it takes a tough old bird to face aging, so suck it up. (and shut up)
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Wise old owl, is Mr Howell. To give him the bird, would be absurd.
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Love it Bard Le Pard
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Oh thanks. I’ll take that nickname
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Or Le Pard le bard.
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I can relate to this. I remember, when I was young, wondering why all the old folk could talk about was their health (or lack of it). Now I understand.
Great poem.
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It’s a sad inevitability like socks in bed
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Not got as far as socks in bed yet, Geoff!
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I’m well down the bedtime knitwear slippery slope….
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Oh boy. Sounds like the topics of my women’s luncheons. Lol Thanks for the laugh, Geoff.
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I’m glad we’re not alone
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