(advice from my 96-year-old father - in - law)
Live simply.
Eat plain food; porridge made with water,
banana sandwiches, soup (tinned is fine);
leave that last slice of cake for someone else.
Read books borrowed from the library
or bought for pennies in a charity shop,
return them when you’re finished.
Walk every day, come rain or shine;
keep an eye on the sky so you know
when to hang out your washing
or if you’ll need a brolly.
Talk to strangers in queues.
Listen.
Listen to the sea and the chatter of sparrows;
they’re reliable and the gossip is harmless.
Try and avoid the news; it will only make you cry.
Kiss and make up, grudges are malignant
Sing.
Dance.
Laugh.
Feed the birds in the garden
and chase the cat when it comes hunting
the blackbird who lives under the bush.
Leave the weeds for the bees
and don’t dust away cobwebs. Spiders
are good company in the cold winter months.
Place flowers on the graves of loved ones,
and tell their stories to your children.
Good manners cost nothing
so always
say thank you.
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