Personal Pages Index | PALS Front Page | Brainteasers


I’m rather ancient, I have a disease;
So into my life I have to squeeze
As many things as I can manage
Before the time comes when I vanish.

“At your age, in your condition”
Are husband’s words. He’d make a prison
Where I’d recline on my chaisse longue
And langorously read, and yawn.

“You must be joking”, says this lady.
“I’m off to learn flamenco—maybe!”
One dig, one stamp then four pasadas
My poor old brain is so “cansada”.
“Oh Jesus! Let me do it right,
I’m sure I look an awful sight”.

“Head up”, says Anna, “Just look proud
Instead of looking meek and cowed”.
I hold my head up, walk with “aire” -
Ye Gods! I’m almost feeling fiery.

A “Sevillana” I’ve learned to dance
As to and fro we stamp and prance.
Far more than that, I now have “aire”
Flamenco next year? Where’s my diary!

Mary Foyle, September 2003

cansada=tired
aire=upright/proud