The Old Soldier - The Residents

She used to call me Daddy

But she was so glad she

Left me for someone he was

Rich but not too funny

Why do I come to these things?

It always makes me think of Marion

Come to these places and talk about commies

It’s all about money

I could never give her the things she wanted

But I never thought she’d leave me for money

God, it’s hot

I can still feel her body underneath my hands

Still feel the breath on my neck

Still feel the slight dampness of her perspiration

On her silky wrist

I can’t do it again

I can’t come to another one of these ridiculous reunions

And watch old men getting drunk on nostalgia

Reliving their imaginary glory

And making me realize that I must look exactly like them

It’s too painful

I need the illusions of an aging safety equipment salesman

Whose young but not so bright wife

Is willing more than to tolerate his unpleasant but harmless

Flights of fancy

At least she’s mine