Fit or Fat? (poem) by Tom poesyco.th@gmail.com on AuthorsDen

Fit or Fat?
by Tom poesyco.th@gmail.com → (All Poetry by Tom poesyco.th@gmail.com)
Rated "G" by the Author.

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Well, undoubtedly, there will be some "Big-Boned" or "Heavy-Set" people out there that will be upset with me; but, I think too many people are actually DYING - because of BAD HABITS, that are much worse than SMOKING! The attitude or platitude that is permeating our society is: "I DON'T DRINK - CUSS - OR SMOKE - ERGO I AM OKEY-DOKE!" If the shoe fits - wear it! If it don't - buy BIGGER ones! After watching a PBS Special yesterday, Dr. Michael Rozien, on Managing Age, and taking some notes, I began taking stock in ME, and realizing the errors of my ways. At 67, and being blessed with reasonably good health, the concept of REVERSING internal aging of my organs sounds like a good one. Only one of the many steps he recommends is to REDUCE your weight by only 10% of the gain since age 21. In my case - now 175 - was 140 then - difference is 35 pounds - ERGO 10% of that is only 3.5 pounds! ANYBODY COULD DO THAT, RIGHT? So, right now, that is my personal GOAL. If the secret is BABY STEPS, why not at least TRY IT? If you are easily offended about your weight, or get TESTY - then don't read this! If you are a person of courage and fortitude, then read on! In either event - DON'T SHOOT THE MESSENGER! OKAY?

FIT or FAT ? Copyright: 03-02-08 - Tom Hyland What is this thing called Obesity? Let’s pause a moment - take a Look-See! It used to be blamed by some, on a Gland, But is now an Epidemic across our Land! Once upon a Time, kids did Play, Plenty of Exercise, throughout each Day! Now, Technology makes them Sedentary, ‘Puters and Games are now Elementary! Lack of Movement, using Muscles, Causes Fat to adorn their Bustles. What? You may say - sheer Twaddle! Yeah? Just watch them Waddle! Diet - Diet - Exercise, Once - Parents were somewhat Wise! Now, all are too busy, keeping up with the Joneses, So, muscles suffer, along with Boneses! Another lack of Movement, within their Colons, Binds their Bowels into knotted Bowlines! Fat little Fingers, devoid of Knuckles, Bellies that defy Waist-Bulging Buckles! Fat, Cherubic, Red, Round Faces, Occur because of lack of Paces! Millions now, look like Chunky Buddha’s, Even male-child kids exhibit Boob-ahs! Little girls, once thin as Rails, Now, are sporting Big Wide Tails! Gim’me some Fast Food, like a Big Mac, Load up Plenty, in a big Sack! Sugar in Sodas, consumed too Many, Just Gurgle down, in this Land of Plenty! Another exercise, just doing Chores, Went to the wayside, replaced by S’mores! Funny thing though, Congress tells us to ‘Tighten our Belts.’ But, we just buy Bigger ones, and Gulp down - Swiss-Cheese Melts! Cheese-Fries, French-Fries, even Western Ones, Are all displayed across our Buns! Super-Size Me! Gim’me More! Let Sweat pour out, from every Pore! Diabetes - Heart Attacks - and Strokes, Are all blamed now, on our Smokes! Let’s be Honest - like British Blokes, FAT is what now - kills most Folks! Used to be, smoking Curbed our Appetites, Slowed us down, from taking Bites. Now that’s Taboo - like flying Kites, Another Fable, like Arabian Nights! So, instead of Ciggies caressing our Freudian Lips, Munchies and Crunchies expand our Hips! Pizzas, Subs, Tacos, and Such, Fill our hands, as Dearly we Clutch! A Nation of Tubbies - who can’t do Chin-Ups, Nor Push-Ups, nor even Run a Mile, But we can Knock down some Food, And do it with Style! Fast Food Places on every Corner, The Fast Lane to being a Goner! Belly up to the Bar, Boys - make no Mistake, Fill up your Gullets, with Vittles, like Steak! Now some might Hate me for Speakin’ the Truth, When’s the Last time you were at the Kissing Booth? Fashion Designs sold at Lane Bryant, Cater to Hefties, make them Compliant! Plus Sizes - from Fourteen to Twenty-Eight, Proudly tell us it’s OKAY - to be Over-Weight! But that’s all right, don’t Hesitate, Just Blame it all on Destiny, or Fate! Will Power, Desire, to Establish a Goal, To simply Push Away, from that Big Bowl, It’s too Hard, I think I’ll Quit! Dieting doesn’t work, not even a BIT! Enough on the Fat side, what about Fit? What are the Merits of Exercise? Let’s ponder and Sit! But First, a Pause that Refreshes, my Luncheon Meal, A Greasy Hamburger Sub, with Pickles and Tater Chips, I’m as Human as you - not really a Heel! One - Two - Three - Four - Count the Reps, while on the Floor! Five - Six - Seven - Eight - Time to Lose some ugly Weight! Nine - Ten - Eleven - Twelve - No Pain - No Gain - just tell your Self! Thirteen - Fourteen - Fifteen - Sixteen - Take Deep Breaths - in Between! Seventeen - Eighteen - Nineteen - Twenty - Now you’re Burning Fat - a-Plenty! Now, up on your Feet - Walk it Off! Shake it Out - do not Scoff! Good Honest Sweat - that’s the Ticket! Through the Woods - out of the Thicket! Wan’na be Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise? Trim up your ‘Ceps, your ‘Abs, your Thighs! Wan’na Stroll down the Street with Pride? Or have Someone Else Tallow your Hide? The Question is - you Wan’na be Narrow, or Wide? Only You can really Decide! FIT or FAT - FAT or FIT? TIT for TAT? THAT’S ALL - THAT’S IT!

Reviewed by Regis Auffray

Reviewed on March 8, 2008

When I started my career (teaching) a long time back, I weighed 130 lbs. Now I weigh 179 lbs. I try to cycle around the moutain at least three or four times a week. I play floor hockey once a week (a very demanding sport cardiovascularwise). I agree with you that we ought to look after the gift of the body given us. Thank you. Love and best wishes,

Regis

Reviewed by Eileen Granfors

Reviewed on March 4, 2008

Love it, Tom. I despair about our children too when in MY OWN FAMILY someone says, "Oh, it's too cold out" or "let's stay in our PJ's today" or "Let's order out again" GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR It's hard to be the old-fashioned granny. Wait 'til I get those kids down at the lake and teach them about fishin' and worms and oh God! DIRT! You should publish this one. Eileen
ps--I don't want girls sweating being too thin though--that's dangerous too.

Reviewed by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado

Reviewed on March 3, 2008

If they didn't have things like computers or televisions or video grames, kids would be outside, running around, guaranteed! Then the pounds will melt off! Part of the problem is that foods that are good for you cost so darn much; the bad stuff is inexpensive (as it were), so people can afford to eat the bad things, therefore, risk putting on the pounds. Sad! I'm chubby myself (okay, fat!), but I walk everywhere (no car; can't afford one!). Two years ago, I was on the other end of the spectrum: 100 sickly pounds due to a tumor in the stomach (since removed, NOT cancer!!). It caused me to need a colostomy, so I've been on both ends. I'm alive; trying to eat healthy, get my exercise everytime I step outside; as I said, I walk everywhere.

So don't tell ME I don't get exercise because I DO!!

(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tx., Karen Lynn. :(

Great write!!

Reviewed by Mr. Ed

Once upon a Time, kids did Play,
Plenty of Exercise, throughout each Day!
Now, Technology makes them Sedentary,
�Puters and Games are now Elementary!

How sadly true that is. When I drive my wife to work, I can't believe how big some of these kids are today. And how much Junk Food they all eat. When we were kids, and always running around and playing outdoors, our nicknames were things like, 'Stick, Rail, Slim, Skinny, Polecat,' etc. I hate to think what kids' nicknames are today.

Reviewed by Tinka Boukes

Reviewed on March 2, 2008

Knocking youon the head with a PAN reading this..........lol!!

"GOOD.........if you cannot make me thin..........make my friends FAT!!"

Love Tinka

Reviewed by Jackie (Micke) Jinks

Are YOU talking to me? Are you talking to ME? hahahaha Well, Tom, I'm not THAT overweight...and I DO exercise all that I'm allowed. I'm a big veggie eater, so that works for me. And I learned years back to use a smaller-than-dinner-plate for my meals, so I now fill up fast.

Did you kow that our blood gives us away...whether we are prone to be sedentary or actively exercising? Our Doctor knows, when he/she orders blood-work done on us...

I think I'm more Fit than Fat, thank you very much :o)

Micke
OH! Adorable pic!

Reviewed by Chantilly Lace (Reader)

I really think you need to see me,I would certainly give it my best shot at fixing ya darlin..cute real cute sweetie...Hugsssssssss..stay safe and well TC..

Reviewed by Ronald Hull

You have nailed this one with much wit and wisdom. I could say the same, and have, many times in conversation, but never wrote a poem as elegant as this. The only thing that is missing is all the steroids and other hormones introduced through modern farming that are helping to make our kids bigger.

Still skinny after all these years...

Ron

Reviewed by Connie Faust

Karla has a very good point about healthy foods being expensive. Many times I look at the fruits, then walk away because of the prices. So that's one side of the coin.
Schools, at least in this area, don't help. Gym classes are not nearly as important as they used to be. Wasn't it Pres. Kennedy that promoted exercise for kids? Would you believe that last year, my one grandchild in Ohio, had one semester of mega-gym classes, then none the next semester? Sounds so stupid to me. Of course, kids should be a whole lot more active after school.
You've written a sobering message. I hope it brings results.

Connie

Reviewed by Ed Matlack

cAUTION: WIDE LOAD...E

Reviewed by Karla Dorman, The StormSpinner

Prob is, Tom, "they" (the powers that be, be they governmental, medical, or marketeers - that's different from 'mouseketeers' LOL) don't do much to encourage healthy eating. Prices of veggies and fruits, lean meats, so called 'diet' foods, are much higher in price than stuff that's bad for you. I love veggies and fruit, an hour after eating them, I'm starving! Need food to stick to me so I'm not hungry, later. Living on less than $240.00/month, after bills, what money for food? Good food? I do exercise - having no car ensures that - walk everywhere I need to go. Maybe not enough ... being disabled, there's only so much I can do. Society needs to stop pushing wafer thin models and celebrities as role models, though - the average woman will never ever measure up, save for throwing up every time they eat. Sad, isn't it? A lose/lose situation, all around.

(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.