Something about Need

Ask me, what do I need? No, not a new car.
The expense would break me. I have no need
to rotate tires, schedule maintenance, nor to
pay taxes and licensing. I’ve conceded, speed
and mobility are no longer a priority for me.

My driving days are done. I have no need for
a sleek-footed pair of Nikes, running has never
been my style. These snail-paced days, I can
barely manage walking 50-yards. Well-worn
house shoes for me fit far more appropriately.

Go ahead, I don’t mind, ask of me, what is it that
I need? I am that guy for whom it is impossible
to buy on birthdays and at Christmastime, for I am
content with moth holes and snagged threads in
my sweaters.

Their fit is pleasingly cozy and fine. Besides, the
season is fast approaching summertime. No need
for shorts either, given my age, these boney pale
legs are no longer fit for public display. And being
retired, I have no need for any sort of time piece.

There’s nowhere I care to go nor have I the need
to be. I’m fine with daytime or night. I’ll nap any
damn time I please. Time is no longer considered
an ally of mine. Cable TV and the pups give me
all the company I need.

Oh, come to think of it, you might get me a bottle of
prune juice next time you’re at the store. Mind you,
just a week or two from now, before I reach the rippen-
ing of my 70th year, I do, on occasion, still find the
need to go.

Chris Hanch 3-20-17

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