Admire the old arthritic man I met
The angels shake their heads at human life
On his head a crown of laurels set
I was by nausea and my nerves beset
Unfit to be companion or be wife
Admire the old arthritic man I met
His face seems smiling even when he’s not
He will never be a source of strife
On his head a crown of laurels set
He lives in a world where Hate dwells not
His glances are not sharp as are my knives
Admire the old arthritic man I met
Give me patience with my daily lot.
Throw off that critic who forever strives.
On John’s head, a crown of laurels set
Count to ten, or at least count to five
Anger and aversion destroy lives
Admire this old arthritic man I met
On his head a crown of laurels set
