An Ex-Californian's Lament

My world is disappearing beneath this blanket of snow and cold, As I sit here remembering times, before I began to grow old. Times when every day meant a walk on the warm beach, Never did I suspect those walks would ever be out of reach. The furnace is up to 70 as I sit here in my sweats, This life I never did foresee when I was living out west. Sundresses & halter tops were the mainstays in my closet, My life was one big sunny day, that’s just the way I saw it. I had so many friends; I couldn’t count them on both hands, Now there’s not so many, since I’ve moved to these foreign lands. Each spring I plant new flowers, just to watch them die each fall, Instead of having to trim them down, to keep them from getting too tall. Out there it didn’t matter what time of the day, or the season, “Let’s go ride the roller coaster”, we’d say, and not have to have a reason. In the car we’d jump with not much on, and our hair was always tied back, And drive to the beach, to ride that thing, bringing just our “fanny pack”. Then I remember driving home heart still pounding and full of excitement, Looking forward to a sit in the hot tub, yes, it was all quite heaven sent. That glass of wine always tasted better while surrounded by my peers, And yes, there were those times I’ll admit, we drank too many beers. I had a job I loved so much; I couldn’t wait for my week to start, To get back to my airplanes and pilots, the other things that filled my heart. Watching those jets come in at night, over the glorious San Diego Bay, It was always such a wonderful way to end a wonderful day. So there it is, my life all condensed onto just one page, They say “Life’s what you make it, no matter what your age”. But I’m convinced I’d be younger if I were still out there, So I go back every chance I get, no matter what the fare. Copyright: January 19, 2012