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