OLD MAN NEWMAN

This is not the party
I thought I was going to.
Watching teenage head
given to teenage head cases.
It’s creepy,
though not without its own
unique pleasures.
“Momma Told Me Not To Come,”
indeed.

This is not the party
I expected to experience
with most everyone half my age
and twice my charisma points
and none of them wanting to play
with me.
I had really hoped role play
would be involved
but it appears
that’s not
what the kids are into
these days.

This is not the party
I thought would be had
or would ever have me.
I never thought
I’d get the invite
or know the secret entry phrase
or receive those special latex
party favors.

I didn’t think
this was where I’d be
or whom I’d be with
or how I’d get here
at this age.
I’d thought these days
were well behind me
but
you’re never too old
to be so very wrong.