Praise these bones

These my bones
           that I contemplate each day
have served me well
           have kept my flesh upright
all these years
           have carried me to shores
far and wide
           and always done me proud

Uncomplaining bones
           that have never known fracture
that remain free from arthritis
           and continue to support me
in all my endeavours
           and so permit me to perform
my solemn democratic duties
           as a fine upstanding citizen
these my dear dear old bones
           that have lived in the poetic
shadow of Yeats and Walt Whitman
           rock solid to the core
today I salute you
           and warmly give thanks

John Lyons