My grandson, who is four, called me “bold” today,

I was honoured and flattered, I have to say.

I thought of myself as a hero, up for the fight,

Noble and fearless, defending all that is right.

Courageously confronting trouble and strife!

And William knows me well enough,

He’s known me all his life!

 

“I said bald, grandad, I didn’t mean ‘bold!

It is what happens to men when they grow old.

It means that you have got no hair!”

 

“Well, really William, I don’t think that is fair!

I’ve still got one or two surviving,

 here and there.

In the driest of deserts lies a cactus or two.

Though, I’m not growing a rain forest,

like you!

And, if you were kinder, Will, you’d lend me a few!”