In The Band!

Oboe

Yes, I played in the band.

And band geek was my brand.

A solo was my shinning moment,

because I could not sing a single note yet.

Yankee doodle our trio trilled,

and the crowd was pleased and smiled and thrilled.

Scales, cords and rhythms practiced.

Then I had to learn them all again backwards.

Amongst my group of music spastics,

I thought my world was just fantastic.

I played the oboe, the flute and the tenor sax,

it’s no wonder it took me so long to have sex.

I marched in the band with my big drum,

So much excitement I forgot my hat, how dumb.

Music still give me chills and exhilaration,

I miss those days of musical exaltation.

Yes, I played in the band,

and “band geek” is still my brand!

 

 

Changes

The changes to places, I don’t really mind.

But the changes to faces, oh I really do mind.

Lost are the theater, the restaurant and the park,

but not those who’ve touched my heart.

 

Faces change with lines and crinkles,

everyone faces the inevitable wrinkle.

But the soul of youth remains,

no matter how many things change.

 

Our bodies pop, creak and slow down,

some mornings are sore to the bone.

My mind says young, but my back says old,

never more than when I’m on my own.

 

The playgrounds of youth are a subdivision,

the grade school unrecognizable with my vision.

But the friends who’ve known me at my worst,

are still the friends who love me without derision.

 

Yes, the changes to places are fine,

but the changes to faces are so unkind.

To those I’ve lost or who’ve left me behind,

you’ll always live on in love in my mind.