Hard to tell what goes on in other people’s marriages, but sometimes you wonder. Can’t help it.
There’s this couple from away that Charlie and me see when we’re out and about. They’ve only been in town a couple of years. We don’t know them and I haven’t been able to dig up much info. I think they pretty much keep themselves to themselves. Charlie and me have nicknamed them Fred and Ethel.
About the only time we see them is when they’re out walking or riding their bikes. We’ve never once had just a Fred or just an Ethel sighting. Nope, it’s Fred and Ethel together, and Fred is always smiling. Ethel is friendly enough, but she doesn’t look quite as happy as Fred. My bet is she needs some alone time. I mean, how can I miss you if you won’t go away?
Well, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it. Here’s Charlie’s.
Smile
There’s this couple I see
When I’m drivin’ around
Out riding their bikes or
Walking to town
Whatever the weather,
She sets the pace
While he’s got this big,
Honkin’ smile on his face
Of the two of them
He looks the happier one
Like never before
Has he had this much fun
They’re retired, I s’pect
And each outing it’s clear
He’s perfectly happy
To bring up the rear
My wife and I see them
Spring, summer and fall
And he waves back at us
Like he’s having a ball
You don’t see him scowl
You don’t see him pout
What the hell is this fella
So happy about?
Lately, we wonder,
It’s just a suspicion,
That maybe his smiling’s
Some kind of condition
Something, you know,
He cannot control
Well, better to smile
Than look like a troll
Which I prob’ly do
After watching the news
(A night full of that’ll
Give you to the blues!)
So I’m gonna cut
This guy slack for awhile
My hat’s off to him
Who can show me a smile
That’s it for now. Catch you on the flip side!
Hear Ida Tell It: Sometimes You Wonder