Two Sides of a Coin


Two gentlemen of advanced age
sat chatting over tea
comparing thoughts and such
about their kids, you see.

“My children drive me crazy!”
the first man shook his head,
“I wish they’d leave my life alone
and run their own instead.

“You see, I am a widower,
it’s been now several years;
the kids think I am lonely
and must be bored to tears.

“They think I need companionship;
keep trying to make a match,
but they don’t seen to understand
there’s just one little catch.

“I’m happy just the way I am
don’t need to be tied down;
don’t need another lady
to wear a wedding gown!”

The other man said, nodding,
“I know just how you feel.
My kids do much the same
it’s really quite unreal.

“You see, I’m pushing eighty
my wife died years ago 
but now I’ve got a girlfriend
who’s really great, you know.

“My children think it’s wrong,
they want me to themselves.
They meddle in my business
like pesky little elves!”

The two men sat a little while
each nodding his white head
until the first one looked up
and with a smile he said.

“I have a great solution
to our problems here my friend.
Why don’t we just trade children!
Our troubles then will end!”



march 2005
Janet Reid