You can't be youthful once again.
To kick a ball, to run the miles,
Despondent losers, winning smiles.
Nearer forty than thirty-five,
Aches tell me I'm still alive.
Take it easy now there Dad,
Say the children that I've had.
A bitter pill it is to swallow,
Good luck kids, your turn tomorrow.
I wish you more than I have seen,
I am a grateful old "Has Been."
So listen kids take your paters heed,
Enjoy your youthful abundant speed.
So. What now "Old Man?"
Eccept my age that's all I can.
Ease up, a pastime to be found,
Something not to cover so much ground.
The answers there for what its worth,
Let's turn to the fruitful earth.
Yesterday legs scarred blue I sigh,
Well! "Green Fingers" let's just try.
In a glass house I tendered their care.
Planning ahead. Picturing my spectacular feat,
Life's dormant awakenings in the dead forest peat.
Giving every doubtful hour,
Gripped by the bug, the roots stunning power.
So much to do with the starting of life,
Returning to base, neglected wife.
Then to dig inn all that's rotting,
Hoeing, raking, spraying, potting.
Spring drought, a ban on hoses,
Sighs of relief from bath watered roses.
Buds and foliage all around,
Awaiting the splendour. Hush! Not a sound.
Then it arrived from a carpet of green,
Bulging with colour where the bare seed had been.
Now the bees' motor splutteringly heard,
Inspecting each blossom with more than a word.
What an incredible, rewarding sight,
Half these insects without invite.
In years gone by they passed my weeds,
Now here they rally. All this from seeds.
Your senses my pride will radiate.
Plans, pots, plants, toil,
Weeds, hours, trays, soil.
Blisters, thorns, cuts, scrapes,
Suckers, greenfly, gale-windbreaks.
Roses, petunia, Virginia stock,
Climbing nasturtium run amock.
Aster, candytuft, marigold,
Bird-seed planted now sunflower bold.
Cornflower, chrysanths, love-in-a-mist,
Trophies cut, given and kissed.
Each plant a challenge, a trophy each bloom,
Given to a loved one to decor the room.
Abundant fragrance fills the air,
So "Old Sport" don't you despair.
So "Has Been" with greyed hair thinning,
It's not all over. "Aye kids"!
It's just beginning!
