© Jim Tonkin

An ageing population is what we are told we are.People born after the war from 1946 to 1965 are classed as baby boomers.Being one myself these are my thoughts.

You could say I went to the old school.
Yeah, I grew up just after the war.
When you worked hard all day and you got decent pay.
Something you don’t see anymore.

We weren’t scared of getting our hands dirty.
It was done with our muscle and sweat.
We worked hard together as mates did.
It’s a time that I’ll never regret.

Yeah, I drove my FJ up and down Main Street
and hung out at the hamburger shop.
A time of deep pride. I had youth on my side
and I had lots of hair up on top.

I remember cantering over grassy paddocks
where now the big factories all stand.
And farms being chopped up for house blocks.
Paling fences replacing the strand.

Is it wrong to remember these old days?
Am I just a relic living in the past?
Of a time when good mates stuck together.
Of a time when a marriage would last.

“Dog eat dog!” they cry these days.
“Stab workmates in the back when you can.
To denigrate or dob, is all part of the job.
Seems like part of a big master plan.

Now we’re all getting older, and I hope wiser
with talent so far and so wide.
A world so much changing around us.
We are expected to take in our stride.

But I hope that you’ve found the answer.
Am I preaching to the converted?
You can tell them what to do with this lot
and where to have it inserted.

You see we’re not on this earth for a long time.
I’m sorry but it’s a real fact.
I’d say we’re all here for a good time
so come on let’s make us a pact.

Be sure to remember the old ways
when you looked a man straight in the eye.
When deals were done with a handshake
and you wouldn’t think of telling a lie.

So, take the wife out walking.
Risk putting your back out and jive.
And hope to be shot by a jealous husband
at the age of ninety-five.

Take joy in the company of grand-kids
and savour our western sunsets.
Take note of the wild birds calling
for this is as good as it gets.

Stroll along white sandy beaches
with your loved one hand in hand.
Tell her you love her often
and fill the front of your speedos with sand.

And don’t ever lose track of your humour.
It’s a commodity that just can’t be bought.
And make passionate love whenever you can.
It’s a good healthy indoor[or outdoor] sport.

Fishing and golf are compulsory
Caravan and a full wheel drive.
For travelling around this great country
will fit you keep you fit and alive.

You may say that this is un-Australian
that we should work hard till we die.
And help the bureaucrats and politicians
to get a bigger slice of the pie??

I wish you all a long happy life
a generation I’m proud to belong.
Good health and many happy-hours
and may your sunset belong.

I hope I’ve met some new friends here today.
Simple people who think just like me.
Of a time when we loved one another.
Of a time when we had unity.