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Stern Words to Self during the Lockdown

We’ve had a week of heat (and this is only May).
It’s cooler, with a welcome ruffling wind, today.
Where yesterday an old chap felt the need to rest
after our walk, today, thank God, I’m newly blessed
with energy I’d thought had left me in the heat.
Today I know I could, if called upon, repeat
our circuit of the park a dozen times, no sweat.
I tell myself, ‘Cheer up, old chap! You’re youthful yet.’
Strength, and sense of strength, like wind gusts, rise and fall.
I should be grateful I can walk, and write, at all.