ROY ORBISON & THE RAMONES

I'm the same age as Roy Orbison
When his heart gave out and his singing died
But I haven't lived as much as him
Deeply scarred by crushing tragedy
Wife and kids died, a catastrophe 
His sad moving words resound in me

Roy Orbison, the Caruso of Rock
Dark, complex, and emotive
The Big "O", Roy Kelton Orbison 

I am older than two dead Ramones
Joey and DeeDee never passed 50
But I haven't lived as much as them
One was shy, heartbroken, and had bad health
One a loner who lost to his demons
But their music still resounds in me

Johnny and Tommy have joined them
The band's now complete on the other side
Fathers of punk, The Ramones

This is my 52nd year and what have I done?
I have sold out to corporate jobs
Too scared to pursue my dreams
I've played it safe professionally
But I'm fulfilled personally
I have avoided tragedy, sadness, misery, sorrow
Maybe that's why I'll never be an artist

May 2022, Ash Hall