"Old Man"

By William Bolyard

Light a smoke
Tell a joke
Order a beer
Wipe a tear
”Where you been?”
”Who’s your kin?”

Old man shares a smoke
Tells a joke
”Have a Miller”
”Can tell you’re a killer”

Take a gulp
Cold and hot
Been here a lot

“Don’t live in it forever
It fades like burnt paper”

Old leather looks a lot like scared skin
Tells a story most can’t comprehend

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William Bolyard spent over 10 years as a US Army infantryman. He is the author of Sober Man’s Thoughts, and most recently, Demons in the Taillights. You can follow him on IG here. Listen to our Savage Wonder podcast episode with him here.

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What’s happening at VetRep…

Listen to our latest episode with Kimberly Evans on the Savage Wonder Podcast, where we interview incredibly talented musicians, artists, writers, and theater professionals, who also happen to be veterans.

Join us this Saturday at the Parlor for Thrillers and Laughs, a collection of seven, veteran authored 10-minute plays that are sure to amuse, startle, and thrill you. Settle in with a refreshing summer mocktail and dessert made by our friends at Jones Farm for a night you won’t forget. Shows have been sold out all season long, so get your tickets before they’re gone!