After Thoughts
The Poetry of J. Hodges

Doin’ Fine

Made the bed this mornin’
I didn’t need no help
Kind of struck me funny
cause I did it by myself

Fried some eggs with some bacon
I put it on the side
This was kind of new to me
Had to put away my pride

Suddenly, I find
the things she used to do
in another place and time
I’m doing for myself
Guess that means I’m doin’ fine

I’m making my own coffee
Filled the sugar bowl this time
Put some milk in the creamer
and paper towels, I did unwind

I put a place mat on the table
the good china on the mat
I couldn’t help but notice
I was sittin’ where she sat

It seemed a bit less lonely
It’s a matter of some fact
I miss her but was doin’
all the things she had down-pat

Suddenly, I find
the things she used to do
in another place and time
I’m doing for myself
guess that means I’m doin’ fine

I think I’ll get the vacuum
If I can find out where it’s at
I’ll dust and let the dog out
I’ll just put her in the back

Seems all these things I’m doin’
I can do without a “knack”
I’ll just straighten out my sorrow
and might not even want her back

I’ll make my lunch,
perhaps, I’ll even have a snack
Do the dirty dishes
and I’ll put them in the rack

I sure do miss her packin’
Love notes, all in a sack
But I’ll be much better off
a just a rollin’ down the track

At dinner time, I’ll struggle
with that Betty Crocker book
I’ll make me some lasagna
just to see if I can cook

Then, I’ll get my slippers
and put ‘em on my feet
I’ll pour a glass of sherry
and then I’ll watch me some TV

I’ll light my own cigar
and I’ll find my favorite show
Put my feet on the table
Hell! cause she will never know

I’ll go to bed eventually
Maybe just to be surprised
that that empty space beside
doesn’t hurt this lonely guy

The moral of this story
if you should take an interest
Is much more than a song
It can really make a difference

Suddenly, I find
the things she used to do
in another place and time

I’m doing for myself
guess that means I’m doin’ fine.

Thanks, I’m doin’ fine.

 -J