Roberta Hatcher: My Highway 61 Revisited

Or, People I have Known, Some I Have Only Been Acquainted With And Others I Completely Made Up

Well at times ideas seem so absurd
But if you leave me in peace to play with words
I’ll give you something simple
Just a little rhyme
To amuse and to help to pass the time

I once knew a student of philosophy
In search of metaphysical reality
I knocked him in the head
And I brought him to bed
Would you settle for some physical activity

I knew a would-be writer of serious bent
Her head was always in a ferment
How does one write
This was her plight
I said most people start with a paper and a pen

I knew a real thinker he so loftily
Thought that no one could see just what he sees
When I’d say what’s on your mind
He’d just smile and roll his eyes
Until one day they stuck there, now his vision is unique

I knew a wealthy lady, she came to hate her body
That sad day came when her breasts were getting saggy
But that silicone went slippin
Then she really was misshapen
She had one breast on her shoulder and another on her belly

I had a pal who said he deserved to live forever
He paid to have his mind uploaded to the ether
But the brain in the canister
Went stinkin somethin sinister
And the body still attached wasn’t looking so hot either

I heard in a song that I shall be free
After ten times around I think it wasn’t meant for me
But I’ll keep singing my song
Maybe it’ll help freedom along
It’s a crowded dream highway full of big SUV’s

People always want to tell me their troubles and their fears
I’m more than glad to listen long as they buy the beer
I just set one on each side
And I nod and sympathize
I’m a two-fisted drinker that’s why I’ve got two ears

This is one of those songs really has no end
Cause I meet a lot of people and I’ve got a lot of friends
And I’ll be making fun
Until my days on earth are done
Then from above or down below I’ll start it all around again

(With apologies to Bob Dylan)

~~~~
Copyright 2025 Roberta Hatcher

Roberta Hatcher is the author of French Lessons. She lives in Pittsburgh.