Pete
 
Saw Pete outside the store by his car
talking to his dog.
 
You know Pete
top hand years ago, got cancer, then cured
wears a beat up hat and shows a tattoo
faded and left over from WW2.
 
Gripes about his eyes getting blurred
dog sittin' in his old yellow Lincoln.
In its day it really purred.
 
Wife was part owner in the Roadhouse Cafe
Photos in the place show Pete riding broncs
came in third.
 
Told him once he'd known my Dad
Pete seemed perturbed.
 
Remembered they'd chased a guy who'd welched some deal.
Chased him three days to end up in some store
where he heard the news about Pearl Harbor.
 
Pete joined the Navy, wanted to ride a ship.
Dad stayed home on deferment.
Local board took grandma's word.
 
Saw Pete outside the store by his car
talking to his dog.
Revved up his car and left
didn't wave or say goodbye.
 
Saw him later on, memorial day
standing off a ways
saluting old comrades
©Steve Dirksen