Dear Editor,

I am approaching my 89th birthday and have been retired from paid employment for the past 27 years.

Among my most prized presents is a wristwatch from my daughter, which I wear daily. I can say truly I have time on my hands. I have a lot of time to reflect, and I am fascinated by the way the ancients regarded, recorded, and respected time.

Many popular adages are prefaced by the phrase “Old time people used to say…” They philosophised on time as follows:

• Time longer than rope

• Time flies — Tempus fugit

• Time waits on no one

• A stitch in time saves nine

They predicted time as follows:

• When pigs fly — never

• When the chickens come home to roost — late afternoon

• When first cock crow — about 5:00 am

• When the right time comes

They saw the past in terms of how long ago:

• From mi eye deh a mi knee

• From saltfish a shingle house

• From Whappy kill Phillup

• Donkey’s years

Uncertainties say things and time will tell and don’t hold your breath.

Long life is a phenomenon and complimentary, but if there is a secret to it, only time will tell.

Ronald R Fagan

ronniefagan@gmail.com