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Retired

I’m retired. I should be content.
Worked hard. Now pay no rent.
Can do as I please except for one bone.
But why do I have dreams of going home?

I’m down in the Loop looking for a job
But I had one that was pretty good.
Raised dough for the poor and they understood.
Then I’m beaten up in the old neighborhood.

I meet my Dad who’s been dead for three decades.
He tells me to bet on Hamlet to last the ages. 
My plays are good but they could be better. 
We’re watching the Sox split a double header.

I’m bored as hell but I don’t tell him.
I lost my job and my family can’t swim.
He slips me a fin and disappears.
Where can I spend it after all these years?

My life ends and I shuffle about.
Who stole my keys? I wanna go out!
Walk in the park and do as I choose.
Fly off, goose a goose, and be loose.

And start all over and bless the day.
Remembering Hamlet wasn’t my play.   
Not a jealous soul in my body.
Jumping about with a hot toddy.

Cuz I know my limits and yours.
You’re only safe for a couple of years.
Until the world boils over my butt 
I’ll watch you strut some outlandish stuff.

Published in Poetry