Age of Consent

Work life balance,
aspiration,
goals and dreams,
contentment and self actualisation …. 40 years ago –
the man in the factory laughed, put the paper aside and said “bullshit,
all people want is a home, money, health and to screw,”
then paused – maybe religion too.
Upbringing was catholic and CATHOLIC
High Mass on Sundays – dawn, on feast days
Easter : insistent serial ceremonies
at one point childhood pouted: no chocolate and no church –
a deal – well, almost.
Grandfather, unusually, was not diligent
he felt sympathy for the Devil –
Grandma reached an accommodation
a blind eye …. except when the grandchildren.
The age has been reached when code is cracked
aware, but, they are not yet
overhearings in the kitchen –
appearances
insincerity
expected compulsion.
“No, you’re 75 now – you can make up your own mind.”