Fitness for the Over 50s

I’ll meet you on the other side

Of the trickle-down effect, of repeat prescriptions,
Of doing things too early, of doing things too late,

I’ll meet you on the other side

Of ageist stereotypes, of the Saga generation,
Of silver surfing, of care budget cuts,

I’ll meet you on the other side

Of wrinkle creams, of Stannah Stairlifts,
Of commodes, mobility aids and afternoon TV,

I’ll meet you on the other side

For only our ghosts need go through
The indignities and inconveniences
Of failing bodies and failing minds

No, we were not made
For cardigans and free hot beverages,

Despite the hitches and false starts,
Despite the interventions of the Fat Controller,

Somewhere on the other side of the
Kumfi shoe catalogue, you and I will always be meeting

In our purity, in our youth, in our intimate eternity.