Elderly Discourse

 

"Mrs Tanner had a fall," said Larry.

 

"Oh dear," said Mick. "How old is she now?"

 

"Twenty-three," said Larry.

 

"These things come to us all."

 

"What things?"

 

"Dunno."

 

Larry and Mick tut-tutted, as some uncouth youths laughed loudly.

 

"She had a funny turn the other day," said Larry.

 

"Who did?" said Mick.

 

"Mrs Tanner."

 

"What happened?"

 

"When?"

 

"When she had a funny turn."

 

"Dunno."

 

Larry and Mick stopped dead in the middle of the pavement, checked their pockets, then carried on.

 

"It's not the same," said Larry.

 

"What isn't?" said Mick.

 

"All this" - Larry indicated vaguely all around. "You used to be able to see the wood for the trees."

 

"Well a rolling stone gathers no moss."

 

"What's that supposed to mean?"

 

"Dunno."

 

Larry and Mick sighed.