I'm a lazy chap at heart
I like reading and watching telly
Sitting around is my hobby
And you can tell that from my belly

 

It's as round as a ball
Or an apple, or a drum
Call it curvy, call it fat
I prefer to say "rotund!"

 

I used to be able to eat and eat
And never gain an ounce
But somehow, now I'm older
I have found I've extra "bounce"

 

If I ate a little less
I could fill it full of fire
And disappear when viewed side on
Without this spherical spare tyre

 

And when cruising on The Med
I could take my shirt off on the boat
Without being used for ballast
Or worse still - as a float

 

I could dive a dozen times
And look so smart and cool
Instead of belly flopping once
And emptying the pool

 

Now, I like to jog on the treadmill
And sometimes on the road
I'm getting fitter, and I've stamina
But I still get called "wide load"

 

It can have it's advantages
- Belly dancing is such fun
And who needs a beat or music
When you've gurgles, growls and hums?

 

It's my "Bay Window", my "Cider Pot"
Sometimes my "Royal Paunch"
You can't call me yellow-bellied
I'm not proud - but I do declare I'm staunch.

 

I think if I could lose a bit
I'd feel as light as a feather
Alas, I fear it's impossible
As the diet always starts "whenever"

 

I must eat smaller portions;
A single course, not a feast
Maybe hang a sign around my neck
Saying "Please don't feed the beast"

 

If I could love it as a friend
Treat it less as a foe
Give it just the right amount
It would maybe shrink and go

 

If I could eat more slowly
I'd also vanquish this double-chin
I should savour every mouthful;
Yes, I really should begin

 

Perhaps one day I'll master it
And get rid of this "Mighty Keg"
And then, when I stare into the mirror
I won't see an "Egg on Legs"!

 

Reference:  3rd Prompt from Jo Bell's book "52 - Write a poem every week.  Start now.  Keep going."