When we are young, if we fall over

There is not any sense it’s a disgrace.

But when we’re old, we “have a fall”

Just wherein does lie the difference?

The result could be the same in either case.

 

If we’re young, fall on a wrist,

“Never mind, it soon will heal”

But for seniors it’s a cause for consternation –

“Oh, the poor thing’s had a fall,

Perhaps we’d better call” –

It could be a time of much exasperation.

 

If I should come a thud

My name might well be mud.

I would protest – “I haven’t had a fall.

I just tripped and then fell over.

It’s really not unknown

When one is on one’s own

And furthermore, I was completely sober”.

 

If I hear someone’s had a fall,

The season must be Autumn, after all.