Where can we begin? Tell the sinners, no sin
Call a dripping tap - a waterfall
Tell the fat ones, no lie, they're looking thin
Speak well of all, tell the small ones they're tall
Tell all the frowners how you love their smile
Note in September, swear you remember
You'll find they smile in a little while
Send named Christmas cards, early December
How does a photographer make guys smile?
Think of favourite food, I think of cake
Keep awards on your walls, photos in files
That's how I smile 'though I've made a mistake
If you can't find a good words for the bad dead
The mourners a mixture of angry and glum
Praise loving, forgiving parents instead
Say, see silver linings in each act done
When you've done your best, but failed every test
When thoughts headed north - but the words headed south
When you tried to speak well, but only spoke ill
Mistaken, badly taken, foot in mouth
When you say sorry, they're not forgiving
They say, 'Sorry's too late, wrong words are gone,'
Don't give up, mate, your life's still worth living
They're still cross? Their loss - it's time to move on
Everyone fell when they were a child
Some got the blame when they were good
Most were or knew teens who went wild
Some, sometimes failed, or feared we would.
Find somebody new, who hasn't a clue
Pretend you are older, wiser and know
As for each fall, you've seen them all
Just listen, nod, eye roll, laugh, smile, and glow
Never complain and never explain
The folk in old folks homes don't know your name
Your old boss gets Alzheimer's, he'll soon forget
The world's full of youngsters you've not yet met
When you are old, darling, if truth be told
Shrug, forget bad things said, by friends long dead
Old enemies greet you like long lost friends
The few left - so glad to meet you again!.
-ends-
copyright Angela Lansbury 2023 March 27th
Please bookmark, follow, comment, and share links to posts with friends and family.
Angela Lansbury's books and chapters in anthologies are on Amazon and Lulu.com
Look for Angela Lansbury poet, Angela Lansbury travel writer, and my photo. Books include Poetry Workbook. Improve your English. How to be the Best Man. Grief and Us.
