Ginger Meggs by Jason Chatfield for July 30, 2022

I wonder if the grandfather is old enough to remember Australian independence back in 1901.

I’d like to forget my age and remain 23.

And use wisdom poetically.

He’s got to be older than that since Ginger is over 100 years old himself.

…or care.

To use poetry we must be wise;

Says Chatfield in artistic guise.

Poetry can wound or heal;

It can the depths of souls reveal.

Poetry has powerful effect;

Upon it lives and lies have wreck’t.

It gives us cause for joy or strife;

Poetry illuminates life.

Let us be gentle and kind;

Without poetry we are blind.

When you are young, your age is part of your identity. Ask any child how old they are and the answer is automatic, like asking their name. While I am not so old as Pops, I am old enough that when I am asked my age I have to do the math.

Consider both the place and time, when you’re about to make a rhyme.