PEDIATRICS Vol. 68 No. 3 September 1981, pp. 368
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THE HEALTHIEST COUPLE

William Carlyon

They brush and they floss with care every day, But not before breakfast of both curds and whey.

He jogs for his heart she bikes for her nerves; They assert themselves daily with appropriate verve.

He is loving and tender and caring and kind, Not one chauvinist thought is allowed in his mind.

They are slim and attractive well-dressed and just fun. They are strong and well-immunized against everything under the sun.

They are sparkling and lively and having a ball. Their diet? High fiber and low cholesterol.

Cocktails are avoided in favor of juice; Cigarettes are shunned as one would the noose;

They drive their car safely with belts well in place; at home not one hazard ever will they face.

1.2 children they raise, both sharing the job. One is named Betty, .2 is named Bob.

And when at the age of two hundred and three they jog from this life to one still more free,

Theyll pass through those portals to claim their reward and St. Peter will stop them "just for a word."

"What Ho" he will say, "You cannot go in. This place is reserved for those without sin."

"But weve followed the rules" she'll say with a fright. "We're healthy"– "Near perfect"– "And incredibly bright."

"But thats it" will say Peter, drawing himself tall "You've missed the point of living By thinking so small."

"Life is more than health habits, Though useful they be, It is purpose and meaning, the grand mystery."

"You've discovered a part of what makes humans whole and mistaken that part for the shape of the soul."