Back in '76

Where are they now, those people I met, way back in ‘76
I had my van, a few broken dreams, and a need for a reality fix.
Wichita Kansas and the Air Force base, the MP’s who always got high.
There was a moment I’ll never forget, I saw fire way up in the sky.

I moved on to Phoenix, and into a campground , it was the time of my life.
I met Joe, and that Skinner dude, plus Joe’s most wonderful wife.
We lived in vans, in tents, and school buses, we drank a whole lot of beer,
We gathered each night around a campfire, for times of laughter and cheer.

I moved on from there to Pelican Point, the west coast and ocean sunsets,
I sat many nights on the beach all alone, in life that’s as good as it gets.
I had finished my quest, and I wanted to live, I had gone there to commit suicide.
Far from the end I was beginning again, my problems not soul had died.

That was when I heard Baker Street, such a sad song about going home,
I packed up my things and started driving up 101 watching the ocean foam.
She was tall and good looking with her thumb in the air, I stopped she got in my van.
Seattle was where she wanted to go, to me it was a good plan.

I dropped her off and went to Tacoma, I visited some family and friends,
A week or so later it was time to move on, I needed to make some amends,
I had left people that I thought didn‘t matter, who I found that I truly loved dearly,
I had to get home and go on with my life, that is what I saw clearly.

It has it been 28 years, full of passionate feelings, and yes I’ve had plenty of strife,
Since that wild summer I spent as a hippy and had decided to Call it a life.
What I have learned in my wizened old age, is that when push comes to shove,
The only thing that makes life worth living is faith and a whole lot of love.

Anthony Lenzo

Category Posted: General