YOU FORGOT !!!!

FOR WHOM THE YEARS TOLL

As your writer foolishly left his camera at home ( age again ?) writing a report was difficult and as the "Devil Makes Work  for Idle Hands"  here's something else instead.  Soo.....   

Some 17 years ago your writer retired and to avoid becoming a couch potato he determined to have a walking day each Thursday. Over the years others joined him and the "Meanderthals"  were formed. Together we have done over 800 walks in Lancashire and beyond. The average age of the Meanderthals is in the late Seventies and the limbs are beginning to show for it. 

 

FOR WHOM THE YEARS TOLL

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Dear reader have you noticed    How far we walk these days

We don't go climbing lofty peaks   But seek out smoother ways

The miles we walk each Thursday   Are getting less and less

The reason why's no secret   I'm sure that you can guess.

The years you see are mounting up   beginning to take their toll

The knees and hips - and other bits   Are nibbling at the soul

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Athletic frames are history   We really feel our age

But we are not quite ready yet   To turn the final page

It's not just years that weigh us down   But other things as well 

And so dear reader if you'd care   To read on...... I shall tell.

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The stoutest limbs and bravest hearts    are not immune to "Time

The ailments we all suffer from    Make this litany in rhyme

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"Atrial Fibrillations"   They never show their face

But three are there we must take care   That treatment keeps apace.

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"Heart Attacks" we've two of those   With scary blue light rides

In ambulance to Hospital    Then anxious folk.... bedside

Both   back with us and on our walks    but never take for granted

Be careful now and take the pills    and keep your feet well planted

"Replacement Knees" We've some of those   and mighty fine they are

To walk - no pain - they're strong again    but t'other starts to wear.

"Bad Backs" of course can be the root    of many shocks and pains

We know about the weakness there     For one.   It never wanes

"Parkinson's" has joined the group    a cruel relentless foe

But it has been determined met    and tackled toe to toe.

Of course "Big C" is in there too    the biggest fear of all

But "Cancer" can be lived with    If you just heed the call

To follow guidance  take the pills    follow doc's instructions

With "Chemo" and with "Radio"    They can achieve "Reductions"

So..... here they are these grand old men    A myriad of illness

But still they come each week to walk    to chat and laugh and witness

That age and ills are not the end   we stride all pains forgot

Good friends we cherish in our hearts

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depressed and worried anyone ?

A B S O L U T E L Y   NOT   

p.s.  This catalogue of health problems might make you suspect that we are an "Ambulatory Care Home". populated by sad old geezers feeling selfishly miserable. Nothing of the sort, The loudest and longest noise each week is laughter filled chatter.  And as we gather each face is aglow and eager to tackle the days challenges.