A Fragile Gift Poem by Albert Ahearn

Every morning when weather permits, I ride my bicycle for miles on end. I have been doing this discipline for many years now. Over this period of time I have seen many, many people in my travels, and what I’ve noticed more of as time went on is the growing number of overweight people there are. Especially the younger generation. I can’t help but feel sadden by this epidemic spreading throughout this country.

Our health, a fragile gift of God bestowed
On most of us without supervision.
Maintained through vigilance, personal codes,
Resolve, diet and determination.
Oft we eat is what we are, au revoir!
Cuisine that’s bad and tempting, hello! Good
Nutrients. Lead us to the salad bar
Awaiting those who eat the way they should.
But there are those who oft take for granted
Their wispy condition: forfeit long lives
For Big Macs and fries, super sized wanted
Most often. Perhaps, a day will arrive
These poor souls realize their gravity:
A time bomb within their chest cavity.