Though they can't walk to the end of a mile;
At their age I walked forty at night
To wage a battle at dawn .
They think they are healthier than me:
If their socks get wet they catch a cold;
When my sockless feet got wet, I never sneezed
But they still think they are happier than me.
On a soft mattress over a spring bed,
They still have to take a sleeping pill:
But I, with reeds cutting into my ribs,
My head resting on a piece of wood,
I sleep like a babe a snore.
They blow their noses and pocket the stuff
That's hygienic so they tell me:
I blow my nose into the fire,
But they say that's barbaric.
If a dear one dies I weep without shame;
If someone jokes I laugh with all my heart.
They stifle a tear as if to cry was something wrong,
But they also stifle a laugh,
As of to laugh was something wrong too.
No wonder they need psychiatrists!
They think they have more power of will than me.
Our women were scarcely covered in days of yore,
But adultery was a thing unknown:
Today they go wild on seeing a slip on a hanger!
When I have more than one wife
They tell me that hell is my destination,
But when they have one and countless mistresses,
They pride themselves on cheating the world!
No let them learn to be honest with themselves first
Before they persuade me change my ways,
Says my grandfather, the proud old man.
