Arthritis my old enemy br insidious and stealthy foe br attacks my joints determinedly. br An enemy I’ve come to know br as I grow old: Intimately. br br I have no choice I must accept. br That when the weathers damp and cold br the aches and pains which I expect br return and take firmer hold br on any joint which they select. br br This is the price I have to pay br for living to a ripe old age br There’s no effective remedy, br although pain killers may assuage br the pain temporarily. br br When winter comes I stay indoors br resume my thermal underwear. br Don’t venture out without good cause br and if I must I take good care. br Make sure I’m warmly dressed of course. br br Arthritis my old enemy br ensures that I obey the rules. br The limits which it sets for me. br Disobedience is for fools br prepared to suffer needlessly. br br I won’t give in I can defy br if not defeat my enemy br It only means I have to try br to retain my mobility. br When normal rules do not apply. br br 18-Jan-08br br ivor or ivor.