They say you can’t keep a good man down, but it sounds to me like they’re not even trying; cement boots and a burlap bag, tied at the waste and neck, ought to do the trick. If he makes his way out of that predicament, he’s better than we thought. They say the early bird gets the worm, but who the hell wants to wake up for worms. When they start handing out truffles, I’ll join the morning shuffle.
How terribly strange to be seventy – Paul Simon got that right. I can’t quite grasp the gravity of the situation. It’s as if I can finally afford the Bugatti, but I can’t remember how to drive. It’s as if I know which wine goes with which Wagyu, but my teeth are too tired to chew. For those of you still young enough to seek reckless abandon, record me an adventure, I’m not that demanding.
Let’s say we live a hundred years and that’s by no means a given these days. I don’t imagine I’ll be doing much ‘furious jumping’ after I hit ninety, so it’s likely the last ten years of my life, will be a little less alive. I may have to take up painting or finally compose my symphony. Words are already starting to fail me, so how else am I going to get free. For argument’s sake, I plan to write my epic novel before my seventies are done. That way, I can dash for cash and smoke a poet’s stash while I have time left for fun.
I’ve almost gotten over the need for a legacy. My old man left big shoes to fill. I’ve carved out a niche that scratches the itch and does with me what it will. I lay no claim to fortune nor fame, but can’t find anything missing. There’s a new paramour for delicious dreams, if I’m ever in need of kissing. The beach, the travels and a fine hearth at home, with a woman who treats me well – I’ve already found heaven on earth without having to go through hell.
Mine is a restless soul, destined to seek and gather. Once in a while I find me at peace, but more often than not, I’m at odds. I take my cues from nature’s call and avoid trying to make sense. A smile and a laugh are better by half than any other defense. They say age is but a number, but what the hell do they know. They say a lot of silly things, just so they can say they told you so.
JPC 2/1/2024