4. Let the Games Begin!

A friend introduced me to KIVA yesterday. I'd never heard of it, but I had heard of the system and it thrills me that I may become part of such a delicious scheme. And, let's face it, the fact that, in some small way, I may be able to help other women is an added bonus. This isn't a commercial, but my new-found interest has inspired today's rather-more-serious-than-usual poem. It's still a bit tongue-in-cheek though. I had no idea of advertising when I started this BLOG and I may never advertise again. I just couldn't resist this, though.

LET THE GAMES BEGIN!

There was a time when games were played by children;

When the adults were too occupied to play,

For their noses were pressed hard against the grindstone,

As they toiled till they were old and bent and grey.

But we're the really lucky generation,

With our health, our strength, our playing games on-line.

Arthritis may bedevil us, but we're still having fun

And 'second childhood's' something rather fine.

There's 'FREERICE'? What a site for sore eyes!

One's vocabulary grows, each day, more grand.

And each added grain helps ease another's hunger

And we feel a glow each time we lend a hand.

We may not be rich enough to make much difference,

And we may not be do-gooders in the least,

But, by playing games, we ease some little burden,

And a million million grains is quite a feast!

And KIVA seems to be another answer:

' What does charity achieve?' we often say.

Now, without a trace of any condescencion,

We can help someone, somewhere, in some small way.

And there must be other ways to play life's new games,

To have fun and, by so doing, feel that glow

That, maybe, millionaires have felt before us,

As our largesse helps another's small change grow.

The 'circuses' of ancient Rome were foretastes

Of the sad decline the empire would endure;

Some say our taste for modern 'beer and skittles'

Is a sign that we are in decline, for sure.

But I prefer to think that we can harness

Our childish little urge to have some fun.

After all, our selfish wish to live in comfort

Can be the goad for harnessing the sun.

So why not turn our backs on politicians,

With their wily ways and never-ending drone?

Humanity, it seems, loves to be playful.

Let's rule the world by having fun, alone!

The Eurovision Contest world-expanded,

Could decide the outcomes while mere mortals bet!

I wish I had a few more years of living!

It may happen one day, but, I fear, not yet.