Seniors Network

2 Poems - With thanks to Leonard E. Tweed. Chairperson. Brook Green Residents Association, Hayes
and The Greater London Pensioner

1 - LAMENT OF THE PENSIONER

2 -For Better Treatment

1 - LAMENT OF THE PENSIONER

I have reached the age of eighty,
And it's really worth a mention
A miserly twenty five pence increase
In my state paid pension.

What benefit is this to me?
It would hardly assist a tramp
Twenty five pence in this day and age
Will not buy a first class stamp.

What can I do with this princely sum?
It calls for serious thinking
Annual increases in my council tax
Will see my income shrinking.

When ministers are in office
It comes as no surprise
They take a vote on personal income
And receive a hefty rise.

Interested only in themselves
They have no intention
Of treating all of us old folk
With a decent living pension.

2 -For Better Treatment

Pensioners of Britain
and I've said all this before
Are the people of this island
Who brought us through the war

We fought for King and Country
Defied incendiary bombs and fire
Did not expect the fight we'd have
When our time came to retire

All governments in years now past
Have always placed us oldun's last
Nursing care for either spouse
To pay, they make us sell our house

We have worked and paid through our life
So why now should we suffer strife?
That which hurts the likes of me
Certain others getting all things free

With thanks to Leonard E. Tweed.
Chair. Brook Green Res. Assoc. Hayes
and The Greater London Pensioner