I get the letter every year
To prove I am
alive,
With forms to fill or else
My pension payments won’t arrive.
A copy of my
license
Or a
passport must be sent,
Plus a photo
of The Times
On which the
date is evident.
I have to
hold the paper
As the proof
that I’m not dead.
At least
there’s not a quiz
About the
articles I’ve read.
Although there
might be fraudsters,
I’m insulted
at the thought
That I’m
being challenged as if I
Am someone
they have sought.
I am glad
that in retirement,
A pension I’m
collecting
And I’m
thrilled to show I’m breathing,
