His six pack gradually hid itself br under his pot belly as he slid into old age. br He could rest his tea on it and a sandwich - br it was quite a handy shelf! br br Of course, it remained a six pack br well, in his eyes, and who was I to enlighten him. br We'd both decided, without a word br that it was there, deep down. br br Yes it was where we couldn't see it, br out of sight, ready to spring back br should the new diet work br and as I loved him, I didn't really care br br but often, in the afternoons, when the sun goes down, br I stroke his rowing machine in the corner br and wonder - if he'll ever ride the waves br of the big bad ship again.