I've Outlived

I outlived my good fortune, Truman and Kennedy.
I avoided abortion, entered the world, small and free.
I've outlived my sense of humor, benchmarks and references.
I never had a tumor, but once I had the mumps.
I loved Red Skelton, Jack Benny and radio.
Got a knot on my head, comb my hair so it doesn't show.
Grew up near a desert, jackrabbits and sagebrush.
In a town by a river, contained by a dike.
Had a paper route as a lad, learned to throw
Rolled up paper from my moving bike.
Worked seven out of seven, never went on strike.
Guess I've been lucky, never broke one single bone.
Been lost a few times, always found my home.
Was raised like an orphan, I was a foster kid.
Some said they'd adopt me, no one ever did.
Kinda hurt my feelings, but I kept it hide in my inside.
Went into the service, picked the Marines.
Never taught me much, but gave me lots of pride.
Guess I've been lucky, just to make it out alive.
You know I like Mark Knopfler,  Dylan and Dion.
Also like jazz music, but most of it is gone.
Now I hang around the edges, of  the music scene.
Married a musician, who plays loud and clean.
Sometimes I think it's funny, how its all come out.
It's been a strange trip, of that there is no doubt.
Sometimes I lose the rhythm, can't hear it in my head.
Woke up once so drunk , they sent me back to bed.
Now I got my stories, can't keep all the facts straight.
Why I love Ole Glory, and try not to hate.
There's a bend in the river, I know it's coming up.
'Cause I'm an old dog, no longer just a pup.
I can smell trouble, many miles away.
And if I ever met you, I know what I would say.
I'd tell you a story, like Abe Lincoln did
'bout something I once saw, back when I was a kid.
'bout the desert and sagebrush, a collie running free.
'bout a bow and arrow, and how it has to be.
There'd be no mention, of buildings, cars, and bikes.
But I'd paint a picture ,of hills I loved to hike.
And the Ditch of Death, where they threw my bike.
And you might not get it, my life or references.
But to all your questions, I'd answer, "just because"
And go on to explain, that's how it really was.
Back when Truman was our President; and when
Kennedy spoke, you knew just what he meant.
At least I got nostalgia, pictures and memories.
I pity the now  generation, who has none of these.
Who can't see the forest, or understand the trees.
Who's afraid of red ink, thinking they might drown.
Walking on the bottom line, thinking that it's truth
Accepting carpetbaggers, and money's tyranny.
Thinking how it is, is how it has to be.
I guess I've been lucky, to have my silly dreams.
Ever a grasshopper…at least, that's how it seems.