WE ARE THE WRINKLIES

Little children call people like me ‘the Wrinklies.’ My arm hurts this morning after throwing a few snowballs with grandchildren. My wife speculates about attending the 2022 Olympics in Oslo, Norway, our daughter in law’s home country and factors in that we will require travel companions because we will be close to 80 years of age. Already my ears ring as though I am standing in the centre of an electrical generator and my eyes contend with a universe of floating bodies that impair my sight. I wake predictably at 4:00 am, eager to write, to paint, to read and even after two cups of bold coffee, I am ready for a nap by 9 am. I am my father, married to my mother in law, because my wife is her mother.

FOUR BOYS OF SUMMER

FOUR BOYS OF SUMMER

Summer days and bikes and slingshots

Boyhood memories I choose to tell 

Beach and barefoot, hikes and slipknots

Retirement and grandboys partner well.

Four of us at unique stages

Two boys, a pre-teen, and older gent

Three live lively while one ages

They have forever while mine seems spent.

Then time spent with them blesses both

I’m inspired by their crisp touch on time

My tales and values nurture growth

All four assisted to make the climb.

by Ron Unruh, July 2013

HOMEMADE SLINGSHOT MADE FROM CLOTHES HANGER
ONE FOR EACH BOY

THE ECONOMY AND THE RETIRED PERSON

A NEW LEARNING
The House of Commons (Chambre des communes), our democratically elected body that consists of 308 members divided among the primary four parties in such a way that we have a minority government went back to business yesterday. Yesterday the Speech from the Throne by our Governor General contained the predictable recitation of realities.

Today the first order of business is the 2009 Budget. Today the first order of business is the 2009 Budget. I repeat myself because I am so concerned for the sake of our country, for the sake of parliament and for my own sake as a retiree.CBC provides live coverage at 4PM ET.

Life is Changing

Life is changing and I struggle to adjust to what I’m feeling.
Too much time to think about the low cards life is dealing.
I’m not ancient but I’m ageing and I think of what will be,
Not a good approach to living to reflect on what I see.
The world’s economy is tanking and the globe is in recession.
Federal bailouts of big business try to keep us from Depression.
Haven’t worried for a long time what might occur tomorrow.
Since my children became adults, I haven’t felt the need to borrow.
I’m not working. I’m not earning and the prices spiral higher.
Didn’t care much what the cost was, now I am a careful buyer.
Have a feeling that our savings may not be enough to make it
And the feeling’s getting stronger with no way for me to shake it.
‘Take no thought about tomorrow nor the clothes that you shall wear,’
Is the counsel I’ve given others when I had so much to share.
‘Don’t be anxious but in all things with thanksgiving tell the Lord’
Believing that your next need will be one you can afford.
I have no reason yet to panic though investments took a hit
They say recovery’s round the corner and will claw back bit by bit.
Haven’t got so long to wait until the market turns around
Want to travel while our bodies are still reasonably sound.
Coffee mug in hand we ponder what our next move ought to be
Should I find work and end my life as a retiree?
It’s a toss up when you consider that the government will take
Some of what they give me when they don’t give me a break.


© Ron Unruh January 26, 2009