I'll Watch Your Back

Your companion on the passage through retirement's precious years,

Witness to the pleasures , the misgivings and the fears.

Repository of food and drink and all packed "just in case",

Out of sight and out of mind once comfortably in place.

Privy to the banter swapped with fellow-retirees,

Eaves-dropping on the rumours, the gossip and the sleaze.

Of courses taken, classes joined, ambitions realised,

Of bladders slow, of bowels stuck and weakening of the eyes.

Of grandchildren, their birthdays and ridiculous expense,

Technology, meant to help, which makes no bloody sense,

Of sporting deeds in days gone by, to argue or concur,

How the older we become, it seems the better that we were.

Or holidays and cruises, far-off places still to visit,

Bragging tales of meals abroad, disgusting and exquisite.

Caring, helping, giving, and the often heard remark -

"Where on earth did we ever find the time to go to work".

Memories and secrets shared, the fears of growing older,

All overheard and noted by the listener on your shoulder.

No need for fear of spilling beans or talk behind your back,

All thats heard on road or track stays safely in the sack.

Likewise consultations with the Doctor or the Nurse,

Another set of ears to hear that things are getting worse.

But whatever may await you and whatever people say,

Keep walking and remember, I'm behind you all the way.

Paul Thompson