I took a bowl of dropout soup 

And everything looked fine  

The clock slowed down 

And I regrouped 

And then it calmed my mind

Two days ago it came to a head 

Enough is enough I finally said 

Looked straight in the mirror 

And told myself off 

Then turned to the left 

And let out a cough

I called a friend 

And shared the news 

I'd quit my job  

To sing the blues

And walk the woods

I was given a pass 

And thus excused

Bluer pastures lay ahead 

I stepped from the porch and thought 

As the screen door slammed behind 

Old Rex awoke and yawned

Then stretched a bit and barked

I tipped my hat and looked around  

Called up to the window and hollered, 'Thanky 'mam' 

I bid farewell 

And was off to town

Kicking the can down the road 

Eyeing the kudzu, watching a toad 

Listening to the trucks whir by 

Not waiting for someone else's paint to dry 

The only tune playing the one inside my head 

Whistling past the graveyard 

Listening to the Grateful Dead

Headed south into the evening sun 

All the live long day 

Walking silently while humming inside 

Zipededoodah yay

Trying to feel better 

Trying to feel my best 

Swimming with the current  

For once  

And finally getting some rest

I could use some well cooked fish  

And one or two cold beers 

Instead I curse my prospects 

Astonished by my own good cheer

I'm here of my own volition 

Here of my own accord 

Here of my own intention 

At this point I can't afford to get bored

Out on the square 

The lush green lawn  

With hundred year oaks 

Soft voices like dandelion fuzz float through the air  

Muffled laughter carrying insider jokes

Next door there's a noisy car shop 

Some old heaps being fixed 

A dog barks from one through a half opened window 

That can't possibly be you, can it Rex?

Many miles to wander 

Many miles to ponder 

That if you had the chance 

To turn back the clock 

To tell the ones who are no longer here  

That they meant something large 

That they meant something dear

That you really cared 

And loved  

That you're part of them 

And they're part of you

Many hours  

Many days 

Many moments to reflect 

A thousand dreams to remember 

Several loves to regret

But none of the above 

Will you ever recoup 

Face it my friend 

Time surely moves on 

But at least it slows down 

And helps you regroup

When you consider the benefits 

Of an occasional cup 

Of hot and delicious 

Chicken and rice 

Or beef and vegetable 

Or Pho 

Or better yet, a bowl 

Of dropout soup 

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