OLD JOKES

When I used to talk about the older generation of which I am now a part

I was the first to kid around, you know, say something funny, wise or smart.

Like, “Hey Dad do you know how I can tell you’re getting older in this life?

Because that little old lady you help across the street happens to be your wife.”

“Good one, son,” Dad would smile and say, “but on your mother’s and my behalf

That joke was just so funny that I forgot to laugh.”

As you can see my dad’s witty comebacks...well they almost always bombed.

Makes me wonder where I got my talent for humor...must have been from Mom.

At any rate I guess it’s only payback now that I’m one of the older folks

That I must listen and accept the telling of old jokes.

So I laugh along with the people, who are not as funny as they think

When they remind me now that I’m over the hill and I’ll probably start to shrink.

“But, don’t worry about getting shorter.” They chortle loudly with youthful vigor

Because, your nose and both your ears will continue getting bigger.

They are quick to remind me how I’m almost bald and when the laughter clears

They inform me if I’m looking for hair to check in my nose and ears.

They say I’m slowing down a bit, that I’m not the same go-getter.

Most likely because my eyesight’s getting worse and my hearing is no better.

They ask, “Does your wife wake you up in the morning or is she checking if you’re dead?”

And God Forbid if I ask, “Have you seen my glasses?” when they’re perched upon my head!

They remind me how I reminisce about the ’60’s...about how the good old days are gone

They say the only grass I talk about these days is out in my front lawn.

They certainly don’t mean any harm, I know they hold me in good stead

Besides they also know tomorrow I won’t remember what they said.

In truth it really doesn’t bother me when the these old jokes they do unfold

Because I know it won’t be very long until they too will be old.

It’s part of life to grow old, we’re all growing older every day

And it’s healthy if we can laugh at ourselves as we journey along the way.

So you see I’m quite content with getting older; I don’t think it is unfair.

For slowing down a bit is healthy and I never have to comb my hair.

And think of all those wonderful aromas and the fantastic sounds I’ll hear

With a nose the size of a cucumber and my two enormous ears.

Yes I’m satisfied to giggle at their levity and share in the laughter too

And I’m quite happy knowing the little old lady I help cross the street is the one I’m married to.