Wednesday’s Words of Wisdom (And Whimsy)

Posted on September 17, 2025 under Wednesday’s Words of Wisdom with no comments yet

A tree hugging tree

 

I have passed the halfway mark in my month-long rehabilitation.

No. I’m not at some fancy resort trying to kick booze and drugs. I’m staying on a rural property that was once a farm here outside Victoria B.C. It still feels a bit like a farm and there are days when I feel like I’m involved in animal husbandry rather than trying to unlock a frozen shoulder. I had hoped that my athletic therapist could also unlock my frozen brain, but she confessed that she isn’t a miracle worker.

I’m a big believer in holistic healing. In addition to my regular therapy sessions, I have been walking at least 10 kilometres a day, doing my stretching exercises, watering the gardens and plants, driving to the feed store for chicken supplies, and harvesting some of the crops. As well as an abundance of chickens, there are two goats, and I have been threatening to join them in some goat yoga. Those two have quite the life. They spend most of their days on the roof of a small building sunning themselves and the rest of the time, just wandering around the property.

I believe that all of these activities aid in the healing process. I walk through old growth forests every day and it is simply awe inspiring. I’m definitely not a tree hugger but I could see myself becoming one!

Some of you are familiar with the ROMEO’s. It is a group of men who get together once a month to share a meal and camaraderie. The acronym stands for Retired Old Men Eating Out. They often have a guest speaker. After my trip to India in 2016-17, I attended one of their lunches as their speaker.

There is a similar group out here. I was talking with one of their members and he told me that they have a rule. Any attendee can only discuss one of his physical infirmities. As aches, pains, and war wounds pile up, any septuagenarian could rhyme up a half dozen complaints before soup was served.

And why do I bring this up?

Unfortunately, I had another rather nasty spill last week. While walking on Matheson Lake Trail, I stopped to take a picture. When I turned around to continue on the path, I tripped on a large root and down I went, landing on my arm. Yes, that arm. For a moment I was actually terrified thinking that I might have broken my arm again but fortunately I only suffered an ugly contusion just below the elbow… and a bruised ego.  A few days later, after receiving excellent medical care from my therapist, I was no worse for wear.

And that incident got me thinking.

I had to admit to myself. I was no longer just getting old but that I’m actually old.

Several of my regular readers receive my weekly wisdom (?) by e-mail. They are not on Facebook where most of you are viewing this right now. They have decided that dumpster diving is not for them.

While walking through the forest last week, I saw the most amazing configuration of a tree. I thought to myself’ “What if trees could talk?” I went straight home, sat down at my kitchen table and wrote a short poem with that as the title. I posted it in on FB and received a positive response. Since then, I have written a poem every day and have contemplated doing a book of poetry.

So. Here’s may take on aging:

SLIP SLIDIN’ AWAY

 

The fog is lifting o’er the bay,

The days are short, a little cold,

I don’t feel agile on this day,

The truth, we’re growing old.

 

There was a time not long ago,

Fleet of foot and bold,

But now I trip, my steps are slow,

The truth, we’re growing old.

 

Names they now escape me,

My memory, not solid gold,

These days, I’m talking to the trees,

The truth, we’re growing old.

 

Despite my aches and groans and pain,

I’m not about to fold,

There are trips to take along The Main,

Even if I’m old.

 

Like a house that’s weather beaten,

We’re showing signs of mold,

Age it can’t be cheaten,

Eventually, we’ll all grow old.

 

The truth is, I’m very lucky,

Treasured memories I hold,

Still feeling rather plucky,

Even though I’m old.

 

Life has been a terrific run,

Of this I’m completely sold,

I’ve had more than my share of fun,

It’s not so bad being old.

 

We’re in the later innings,

In the game of life, I’m told,

Grab hold of all your winnings,

And be happy that you’re old.

Have a great weekend and… stay young!

 

Goat yoga, anyone?