Old Bill

OLD BILL

You arrived on schedule,
thick-haired and sideburned.
At a calm,different pace,
was just how you learned.

In your little old jeans,
and plaid flannel shirt,
you took things apart,
but had rarely got hurt.

When you did,it was bad,
but you choked back tears.
Stiff-lipped but still smiling,
you calmed all my fears.

You loved Mary Poppins,
to "Steppin' Time" you danced,
kicking up your little shins,
around the room you pranced.

You always hated school,
to go there was anguish.
The kids seemed immature,
for home you did languish.

You always comb your hair,
and piercings seem quirky.
You watch fishing shows,
and snack on beef jerky.

Time stands still for you,
loving things that don't age.
Preferring to live outside,
youth's oppressive cage.

Old Music and old clothes,
time-worn things you adore.
If the guys nowadays hate it,
then you'll love it all the more.

Drinking coffee at some little
remote country-style diner,
you chat with the old guys,
thinking there's nothing finer.

An old soul you began my dear,
and that's where you'll end.
where I'll find my Old Bill fishing,
just around the river's bend.


by: Kimarie Manhart-Freeman