San Francisco 1968

Sickening sweet smell of marijuana A young guy with a super grin playing bongos I had never seen that in real life, just on Dobie Gillis. Come on up! My free-minded cousin said. There were beds, but they were occupied. I did not know people sleep during the day. Being from the Midwest, this was all new Are these your roommates? I asked her. Just people, she told me. I changed into my swimming suit, Because I was in San Francisco, And I thought there would be a beach Someone started a sing-along in the living room. I was intrigued; this was freedom I had never seen. We’ll swim tomorrow, my cousin promised. We never got to the beach But I saw S Street And I met real hippies I found out my zodiac sign And I learned I have gold in my eyes. Someone called me an old soul. It was 1968 I was sixteen. And it was enough.