Old-Man!

A faded cape hangs on the wall, 

Red boots beneath the bed. 

Where once were power gloves, there sits 

A denture glass instead.   

The secret lairs with polar bears 

Were sold off years ago. 

The laser goggles, once so feared, 

Help clear the driveway snow.   

And all the planes and rocket cars 

That nobly served the mission 

Fulfilled a higher calling when 

They paid the kids’ tuition.   

And yet there still are foes to fight 

And battles left to wage. 

The city doesn’t sleep at night 

No matter what your age!   

Why, just the other day, he thought 

The fast food guy was rude. 

He gave him quite a lecture 

To improve his attitude.   

And one time at the grocery store, 

The bread was two days old! 

The ice cream freezer was too warm, 

The hot soup was too cold!   

To top it off, the “manager,” 

Could not be more than twenty! 

The old man stared him down and filled out 

Comment cards a-plenty!   

The neighbor’s dog is digging holes. 

The paperboy’s a liar. 

And someone’s got to right the wrongs— 

And heroes don’t retire.