The Old Indian

THE OLD INDIAN by JOHN M. ARRIBAS A story making the rounds about an old apache Who said, I remember everything thats happened to me A New York newspaper picked up the curious news Invited the Indian to the city to explore his views An ace reporter was assigned the task of verification To see if the story was false or worthy of accreditation Met in a New York hotel and started the conversation Where born? In a tipi just outside the reservation What was the name of the doctor? There was no doctor I was brought into this world by a midwife named Proctor What was the name of your first grade teacher It was a man called William Bailey, a Baptist preacher What was the date and the time when you met your wife? It was may 29th at 3:50 pm, the most wonderful day in my life Your brother joined the army, you said he left on a train Yes, on the bullet express 5:15 pm, during a heavy rain Every question answered with an authentic reply The old Indian was accurate none can deny Your long term memory is right on the money Your short term memory may not be as key What did you have for breakfast, the question begs The old Indian said got up early and had some eggs The reporter satisfied the Indian was for real This interview is over chief, your memory surreal Thirty years later the reporter retired Moved out to Arizona to a condo he had acquired On his morning walk he saw the old Indian, as he ambled He raised his hand and said how, the old said scrambled