Frank J. Montoya

A MODERN SHANGRI-LA

Have you heard of the Legend of Shangri-La?
Have you heard of The Fountain of Youth?
Such a place exists and it’s not far from here,
Where you feel young again, and that’s the truth.

Thousands come to see it from miles around;
You see license plates from every state.
But our local seniors know the magic there;
Each visit makes them feel so great.

Most go by car, but some don’t like to drive,
So they go by bus, without concern or care.
Old friends are met; new friends are made.
Good times are had by all who gather there.

Their aches and pains just fade away,
And they have much more energy, it seems.
They ignore the wheelchair, the crutch or cane,
And for a while, at least, enjoy their dreams.

There are games to play and sights to see,
Pizza and Hot Dogs and even meals for free.
Anticipation makes their spirits bright;
Lady Luck might let them gain… financially.

They love to come to this “Shangri-La”;
Here they find some of the youthfulness they seek.
Too soon it’s time to go, but they won’t soon forget,
Those happy hours they spent… at Cripple Creek.

Author’s Note: Another of my favorite activities: Prospecting for “gold” in the casinos at Cripple Creek. Haven’t found much yet, but I’m like the rest of the old codgers here, we keep trying, even if it hurts.