Not Like The Old Days

“Not Like The Old Days.”
By Larry Linville

“Not like the old days,” she said
with a discontented sneer
as she rode on her mobile
which was in the slowest gear.

She’s had all that she could eat
while sitting with a big crowd.
Though the music was from her day
it was just to blasted loud.

The residents’ families
had all come to celebrate.
But just as you might have guessed
her family was always late.

She’s been outside for an hour
and would like a place to hide.
As she rode past me in haste
to go to her room inside.

Next time there’s a special thing
she’ll be the first to arrive.
But something will upset her
and her joy it will deprive.

It isn’t like the old days.
There is truth in what she said.
She wouldn’t be in that wheel chair
perhaps she’d still be in bed.