Doug, the Baltimore City Cop!

When I close my eyes and picture Doug Cook
From across the street I open my door to go take a look
There he moseys back and forth in his yard
Pushing his lawn mower and working so hard
Wearing a towel ‘round his neck and a white tee shirt
He throws down his cigarette and stomps it out in the dirt
Soon he heads for the porch where his cold beer awaits
Where he rests his young body, then suddenly states
To his beloved, patient spouse who is such a dear
“Hey Jane, how ‘bout some pretzels to go with my beer!”

After years of walking the Baltimore beat with pride
He had age and wisdom on his side
Retirement was the blessing that brought Doug west
Where he and his sweetie could live life at its best
So 20 years later and 2,000 miles away
With a simple road trip began a new day
The Cooks bought a house, then went home to pack
And moved to the desert without looking back!

A long, joyful journey filled with dignity and grace
Doug may think he’s nearing the finish line of the race
But when he says he’s ready to leave the valley of the sun
We all know this old cop’s moseying isn’t quite done
That oxygen tank might slow him down at 72
Still, it’s just very likely he’ll outlive me and you!

© 2009 Penelope Woods