I’m old.
I’m a father, a husband,
a brother, a son,
a disciple, a scholar,
poor poet, (for fun!)
I have reason to say
I’m a reason to pray
but only that I’ll
make it through the next day!
An old dude with attitude,
a sinner and saint,
perfected and polished
are two things I ain’t.
I’m neighbourly Ned
and I’m fat Homer J
who just can’t get a grip
upon seizing the day.
As far as it goes
I can still reach my toes
but as near as they are
my old back says “too far!”
and I’m slow up the stairs
but I’m quick to the loo
and I’m good at blank stares
while I ask myself “who?”
So if you see me standing
alone in the street
or up on the landing
with immobilised feet
don’t bother asking
if I’m coming or going
my brain’s multi-tasking
has long since stopped knowing
where I was just aiming
or which way is wrong
or who I was blaming
or why take so long
to come to conclusions
or get on my way,
it’s old man confusion –
what more can I say!
20/7/24