Starting Over

Copyright - 1999 Ric Raftis

Well this piece of verse was written in 1999. I think October from memory. It is with great delight that in September of the year 2000 I am able to post some pics to accompany the poem that shows the achievement of some of these aims!!! The long hair disappeared the day the photos were developed by the way!!

At 44, through hell and back
It's easy to look back and see
All the mistakes and stuff ups you've made
But now it's just history

The past is done, in concrete it's set
Nothing can cause it to change
But perhaps there's a way to relive the past
By starting all over again

At my age now I'm full of experience
I know how I should think and act
But on reflection it's all just bullshit
Conditioned by TV, society and crap!

Many times its been said "Don't you wish you were 18
But, know all that you do today?"
Well, maybe you can, it's sure worth a try
Nothing to lose, perhaps lots to gain

None of this emotional baggage stuff
Start over afresh and anew
Go and have fun, be 18 again
Bugger it, that's what I'll do

Buy a panel van, a V8 of course
With a beautiful deep rumbling sound
Mattress in back, sound system full bore
Cocker and Skyhooks shakin' the ground

And a lady to share this experience with
Who just wants to have a good time
Who's also seeking new direction in life
Who'd like to be eighteen and not thirty nine

We'll travel, we'll dance, we'll paint the town red
From the fun police we'll be on the run
Camp under the stars, make love on the beach
Then lie there and wait for the sun

I'll grow my hair long, get an ear ring maybe
My kids will be all blown away
For years they've been saying, "Get a life Dad"
Now I wonder what they will say!

So maybe I'm living in dream world
But there's only one way I'll know
To do all the above and maybe more
So, stuff it, I'll give it a go.