The Old Soldier

She used to call me Daddy
But she was so glad she
Left me for someone he was
Rich but not too funny

Why do I come to these things?
It always makes me think of Marion
Come to these places and talk about commies
It's all about money
I could never give her the things she wanted
But I never thought she'd leave me for money
God, it's hot
I can still feel her body underneath my hands
Still feel the breath on my neck
Still feel the slight dampness of her perspiration
On her silky wrist
I can't do it again
I can't come to another one of these ridiculous reunions
And watch old men getting drunk on nostalgia
Reliving their imaginary glory
And making me realize that I must look exactly like them
It's too painful
I need the illusions of an aging safety equipment salesman
Whose young but not so bright wife
Is willing more than to tolerate his unpleasant but harmless
Flights of fancy
At least she's mine