Play it again Sam

[Bowler]

The Bowl, the Garden, I've played them all
Las Vegas in the September Fall
Caesars, Stardust, and the Sands
Obliging girls, the one night stands
My face on all the magazines
Penthouse keys, stretch limousines
~
Still singing through my autumn years
Though the young don’t want to hear
My greying hair is touched with blue
I sing the old songs, nothing new
Though the voice is clear, the pitch still perfect
I’m booked to sing the granny circuit
~
But I’ll never quit the spotlight glare
Push me on in my old wheel chair
I’ll sing for a dollar or one thin dime
Strike up the band, just one more time
This ageing idol doesn't give a damn
So give me the intro, play it Sam

[Dreamwoven]

Really liked this. Ending with the old song from Casablanca...

[kiz_paws]

I really liked this poem, too.
Your last two lines were perfect ... a bit of Rhett Butler and a bit of Casablanca. Perfect. :)

[Bowler]

Thank you for your comments and for taking the time to read. Personally I feel there is something rather sad in the poem as it deals with the inevitable decline of those who once climbed the peaks and now find it impossible to reconcile themselves to the toll of the advancing years and the change of tastes.

Thank you both
Regards
John.

[Dreamwoven]

It was the title that I latched onto, hence the reference to Casablanca. I wonder why you chose that as the title? So really it was me who kicked off with my reference to Casablanca: "you must remember this, a kiss is still a kiss, a case of do or die" etc. Kiz Paws followed on with her comment.

I apologise for this, but if there is something to learn from my mistake, it is this. Choose a title for your piece that directs attention to the main point you are making, not to an old 1940s film that many youngsters won't recognise: https://sv.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casablanca_(film)

[Bowler]

No, there is absolutely no need for any apology, Play it Again Sam I intended to be a reference to Casablanca. My comment was its rather sad when the old stars cannot recognize when its time to retire gracefully, nothing more. I would never criticize any comment on my work, I’m only too grateful to those who take their time to read and express an opinion.

[kiz_paws]

I so agree with you, John, regarding the sadness of the situation when old stars will not or cannot accept 'retiring' gracefully. Your poem delicately sings this and I really loved it.

Now, having said this, my thoughts wander to those music 'legends' of these days, still rockin' as they head into their 70's and more!! It is crazy to see a man my father's age hopping around a stage and acting lewd... simply crazy...

[tonywalt]

I saw the stones on their last tour. still very formidable. but, oh boy, it's hard to give things up. and maybe (and i'm going to duck now, before being pelted), but for a man, it can be really hard. or maybe hard in a different way.

[kiz_paws]

and maybe (and i'm going to duck now, before being pelted), but for a man, it can be really hard. or maybe hard in a different way. I won't cast a solitary stone, Tony. I quite agree with you.

Personally, I always felt that old age is kinder to the menfolk in the looks department. Now I have to duck to avoid all the stones being cast my way! YIKES!

[tonywalt]

I won't cast a solitary stone, Tony. I quite agree with you.

Personally, I always felt that old age is kinder to the menfolk in the looks department. Now I have to duck to avoid all the stones being cast my way! YIKES!

you're right about that aging thing. i think the pond of carnal things that feed our ego (and i didn't design Me, a man, and my feeding habits) becomes less plentiful. And menfolk, if we're really truthful, don't like being home alone with a good book. I sure wish we did. That's why widowers don't live very long, usually - if alone. its a frightening statistic

[kiz_paws]

you're right about that aging thing. i think the pond of carnal things that feed our ego (and i didn't design Me, a man, and my feeding habits) becomes less plentiful. And menfolk, if we're really truthful, don't like being home alone with a good book. I sure wish we did. That's why widowers don't live very long, usually - if alone. its a frightening statisticYes, amen to that, Tony.
It really IS sad.