The Joys of Retirement

Aren't you bored not going to work

People keep asking me giving a smirk

But I reply with a shake of my head

There's so much to do before time for bed

Up at the crack of dawn I still rise each day

To get Hubby's breakfast and send on his way

To work he must go to earn a crust

Otherwise he says we may go bust

I feed the dog and then the cat

Whilst upon the fence the birds are sat

Waiting for their tray of bread

Whilst my library book remains unread

Empty the dishwasher, sweep the floor

Put out the washing which grows more and more

Then it's time for a walk and to have some fun

If deer are present they are on the run

Sometimes around the reservoir we walk

With Sister-in-Law and plenty of talk

Next off to the shops to replenish provisions

Buy something for tea – decisions decisions

Back home for a coffee and maybe a biscuit

But now I'm retired I just can't risk it

Although on the go from morning to night

The weight doesn't stay off without a fight

The garden beckons with all those weeds

And the birds don't help dropping their seeds

I water the flowers morning and night

And also the tubs which look quite a sight

I feed the fish and top up the pond

It's times like these I wish for a wand

The carp they grow large and sleek

Then the heron comes and gobbles them neat

At 12.30 sharp to the field we trip

The dog with her ball for me to flick

Up and down she runs to and fro

Until I say that's enough we must go

At long last it's lunch-time and perhaps read the paper

But the windows need cleaning and I'll do them later

The swimming pool wants skimming each day

As leaves flutter in and frogs try to play

The bird bath grows green and needs a good scrub

Perhaps I'll plant something and turn into a tub

The cat requires brushing to remove all the bits

And sometimes he also has plenty of ticks

The dog she likes to cross my clean floor

With plenty of paw marks and hair galore

Then it's off to the Bank to pay in the dosh

And visit the Charity Shop as it's not too posh

To my Mum's I go three times a week

Bearing her washing and something to eat

My Grand-Daughter I fetch from school one day

And we go to the swings or Monopoly we play

The dog has one last walk along the river

And by then my legs feel all aquiver

Soon it will be time to cook the evening meal

Then perhaps wash up but depends how I feel

As I walk around the field last thing at night

The stars are shining and the moon is bright

The dog has one last wee and poo

And then comes in for her favourite chew

As my weary bones sink into the bed

Thoughts of the day pass through my head

I wonder if these things are sent for a test

Or perhaps I should return to work for a rest

Jennifer Hunt

Cheddar