Soliloquy of Old Age


To be, or not to be
A healthy well fed O.A.P.
Whether to buy, or not to buy
An extra quarter pound of tea
To quench our thirst
Or suck a stone and bear it
That is the question

To buy, or not to buy
To eat, or not to eat
To draw one's belt in tighter
But in this act what pains may come
Must give us pause
When day by day we grow much lighter

To light, or not to light
The fire, electric, coal or gas
Once lit, to turn down low
And lower yet
Until our teeth move with the rhythm of the castanet
When pain-like "itis", old or new
Attacks each bony limb

Then there's the rub
Aye there's the rub of wintergreen (sweet name)
And soothing oils

And so to bed, which follows soon the setting sun
To sleep, perchance to dream
Of youth, and love
When hands were held by stronger hands
Of springtime, and warm south winds
Of many summers past, so few to come
Sweet dreams
Sweet blessed dreams


This poem was broadcast on BBC TV at the start
of a program dealing with old-age -
and was dignified by a cheque.


"There is no fun in growing older." some fool poet wrote
"Grow old along with me - the best is yet to be "